A federal grand jury in Columbia has indicted Brandon Chanell Joyner, a 28-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina. Joyner faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, on July 18, 2023, Joyner was found with a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony. On that date, he was arrested following a shooting incident near Stoneridge Drive and Greystone Boulevard in Columbia. The incident required a significant response from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Joyner's prior felony convictions prohibit him from legally possessing firearms. He is currently detained while awaiting trial for state charges related to the shooting incident. Federally, he is charged solely with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, Joyner could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that work to prevent violence. The program also focuses on strategic enforcement priorities and measuring results.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; the Columbia Police Department; and the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sanford is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that all charges are accusations at this stage. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
