Johnathan Edward Brandt, 38, of Lufkin, Texas, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for firearms and drug-related offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone in the Eastern District of Texas.
According to court documents, Brandt pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The case revealed that beginning in early 2023, undercover agents conducted multiple purchases of methamphetamine from Brandt. During one of these transactions, agents also purchased a firearm from him.
Brandt's legal troubles intensified in March 2023 when law enforcement responded to a report at a Lufkin business, where individuals wearing ski masks and carrying flashlights were spotted. Upon arrest, Brandt was found in possession of a stolen firearm and was discovered to have an outstanding warrant. Subsequent investigation led authorities to a stolen vehicle containing 13 firearms, ecstasy pills, methamphetamine, alprazolam, cash, and ammunition. Brandt admitted to trading narcotics for firearms.
Further searches at Brandt's residence yielded additional illegal substances, firearms, and stolen property. Brandt, previously convicted of multiple felonies including thefts, burglary, and drug offenses, is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This prosecution was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies aimed at reducing violent crime. Agencies involved in the investigation included the Texas Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, and Lufkin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter prosecuted the case.
