Minneapolis Man Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Five Kilograms of Cocaine

MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a 34-year-old Minneapolis man was indicted for conspiring to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Brandon Josiha Granger was charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

The indictment alleges that from 2009 through October 17, 2011, Granger conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. It also alleges that on October 17, 2011, Granger possessed with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. The indictment also alleges that he possessed a number of firearms in furtherance of his drug-trafficking crimes. Those firearms included a 12-gauge shotgun, a semiautomatic assault rifle, and several semi-automatic pistols.

If convicted, Granger faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison for conspiracy as well as on the firearm charge and 40 years for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew R. Winter.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.