Brian Earl Glass, 36, of Panama City, Florida, was indicted in federal court with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to an announcement on July 9 by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Glass appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee. A jury trial is scheduled for August 24 at 8:30 am before District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee.
If convicted, Glass faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The case was jointly investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin is prosecuting the case.
“An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, described as “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety and quality of life by upholding the rule of law across northern Florida; operates from facilities in Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville; enforces federal laws; defends national security; protects civil rights; secures public funds; covers 23 counties including Tallahassee and much of North Florida; and collaborates with law enforcement agencies through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood, according to its official website.