Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Acting United States Attorney W. Anders Folk today announced federal charges against BRANDON MARCEL THOMAS, 33, for illegal possession of firearms. THOMAS made his initial appearance on April 1, 2021, before Magistrate Judge Becky Thorson in U.S. District Court. Earlier today, Magistrate Judge Thorson ordered THOMAS to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint, in March 2021, Minneapolis Police officers received information that THOMAS was engaged in drug and firearms trafficking. Officers executed a search warrant at a storage locker in Minneapolis that had been leased by THOMAS since approximately October 2020. Officers recovered from the storage locker a suitcase with a luggage tag in THOMAS’s name showing travel on February 28, 2021, from Las Vegas to Minneapolis. Officers also recovered approximately 1,050 Oxycodone pills and seven firearms, including a rifle and six pistols.

Because THOMAS has prior felony convictions, including a 2009 carjacking conviction in the District of Minnesota, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

BRANDON MARCEL THOMAS, 33

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Felon in possession of firearms, 1 count