Press Release
Jefferson City Man Indicted for Meth, Illegal Firearms
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Missouri
JEFFESON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing methamphetamine and illegally possessing nine firearms.
Brandon Eugene McNeese, 33, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Wednesday, Oct. 24,2018. The federal indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against McNeese on Sept. 28, 2018.
The indictment alleges that McNeese distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on Aug. 2, 2018. The indictment also charges McNeese with being a felon in possession of firearms. On Sept. 24, 2018, McNeese allegedly was in possession of a loaded Glock 10mm pistol, a loaded Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol, a loaded Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol, a loaded Glock .45-caliber pistol, a loaded Glock 9mm pistol, a Hi-Point .380-caliber pistol, a Taurus pistol, a Smith & Wesson .380-caliber pistol, and a loaded Vulcan Arms 9mm pistol.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from McNeese, utilizing a confidential informant, on Aug. 2, 2018. McNeese allegedly sold the confidential informant 139 grams (approximately five ounces) of methamphetamine for $2,000. During the transaction, the affidavit says, McNeese left his residence and travelled to a nearby residence. Investigators later learned that he left a vehicle parked at that residence.
Investigators found a cellophane bag underneath the parked vehicle, which contained several smaller baggies believed to contain narcotics. A K9 was used to sniff the vehicle and alerted to the presence of controlled substances. The vehicle was towed, and during a search of the vehicle officers found the firearms in the trunk. Several of the firearms had been reported stolen.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. McNeese has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The charges contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and MUSTANG (the Mid-Missouri Unified Strike Team and Narcotics Group).
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Updated October 25, 2018
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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