Victims Of Largest Fraud Case Prosecuted In Southern District Of Georgia Receive Over $27 Million In Restitution

AUGUSTA, GA – Carl Lamont Brandon, 39, of Augusta, Georgia, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury after a 1-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall for possessing a firearm as a felon on October 8, 2012.

United States Attorney Edward Tarver said, “Through Project CeaseFire, the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously enforce federal firearms laws to rid the streets of violent felons who carry guns.  Felons who possess firearms can expect to be returned to prison, and serve federal time without the possibility of parole.”

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Brandon led police on a high speed chase down Bobby Jones Expressway and through parking lots after Columbia County deputies were dispatched to respond to a possible shoplifting offense committed by Brandon at a nearby Wal-Mart.  Upon being cornered by the deputies, Brandon surrendered to authorities and officers found a loaded firearm concealed in a CD case in Brandon’s car.  Brandon was on parole at the time of the incident.

Brandon’s prior felonies include an Aggravated Battery and a Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, which resulted after Brandon shot a Richmond County deputy in 1990.  His other violent felony convictions include Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery, Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Assault.

If deemed to be an Armed Career Criminal, Brandon faces a mandatory minimum sentenced of 15 years to Life, a fine of up to $250,000, and 5 years of supervised release.  Brandon remains in custody pending his sentence.  A sentencing date will be scheduled following completion of a presentence investigation and report.

The case was investigated by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted under Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state and local firearms initiative involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF and various local police departments.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy C. Greenwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.  For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.