NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRANDON ALEXANDER ("ALEXANDER"), age 37, of New Orleans, was indicted on October 10, 2024 for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

ALEXANDER ischarged in Count 1 with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Buprenorphine (Suboxone), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(E). He is charged in Count 2 with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). He is charged in Count 3 with being a Felon in Possession of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). He is charged in Count 4 with Receipt of a Firearm While Under Felony Information, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(n) and 924(a)(1)(D)

Count 1 carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. Count 2 carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Count 3, carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Count 4, carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

According to court records, on August 30, 2024, ALEXANDER possessed heroin and Suboxone, with the intent to distribute those drugs, and possessed a Glock Model 20, ten-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of that crime. ALEXANDER is prohibited from possessing a firearm because ofaprior felony conviction. He is also prohibited from receiving a firearm, because he is charged by felony information with aggravated assault with a firearm, in the 22nd Judicial District Court.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.