Brandon Joseph, 41, from New Orleans, was indicted on April 16 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to an April 27 announcement by U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to address violent crime and illegal firearms possession in Southeast Louisiana. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana enhances community safety through law enforcement efforts, according to the official website.
According to the indictment, Joseph was found with a firearm on or about March 2 after having previously been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. If convicted, he faces up to fifteen years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative that uses resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods—to combat illegal immigration and violent crime. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District operates under the Department of Justice and holds the role as chief federal law enforcement officer for Southeast Louisiana; this office enforces federal laws and prosecutes criminal cases as reported by its official website.
Courcelle said: "The indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt." The investigation involved both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Orleans Police Department; Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed is prosecuting.
The U.S. Attorney’s office covers Southeast Louisiana and prosecutes criminal cases while also defending civil matters and handling debt collection for the federal government; appointments are made by presidential nomination with Senate approval according to its official website.
