Indianapolis Man Arrested for Providing Shotgun to Convicted Felon
More Results in U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Initiative
| U.S. Attorney’s Office September 13, 2011 |
INDIANAPOLIS—Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney, announced today that Brandon Spears, 31, Indianapolis, was charged with providing a firearm to a convicted felon and attempting to influence a witness following an investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The complaint alleges that Brandon Spears provided a shotgun to his brother, Shane Spears. Shane Spears is a convicted felon who was charged for illegally possessing that shotgun in April 2011. The complaint also alleges that Brandon Spears attempted to conceal those crimes by getting a witness to falsely claim ownership of the gun.
These latest charges are in keeping with the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office to view gun-related criminal activity in its totality and to vigorously prosecute not only those who illegally possess weapons, but also those who, collaterally, enable, protect, and/or encourage the illegal conduct.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Gayle L. Helart, who is prosecuting the case for the government, Spears faces a maximum of 30 years in prison on both charges and a $250,000 fine on each charge. Following a hearing held on September 9, 2011, Spears was ordered released and to have no contact with anyone who is a witness in this case.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.