United States of America v. Brandon Daunt

Covington, Kentucky criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with drug and felony firearms possession.



A Bromley, Ky., man, Brandon Daunt, 33, was charged for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.



According to Daunt’s plea agreement, on February 13, 2020, law enforcement arrested him on an existing warrant, after he exited his apartment. Upon searching his backpack, they found 25.6 grams of methamphetamine, 7.1 grams of crack cocaine, 5.3 grams of fentanyl, 184.8 grams of marijuana, two cell phones, and $1,157 in cash. Law enforcement then searched his apartment, finding three firearms, which Daunt admitted he possessed to protect himself, his drugs, and his proceeds, and later admitted acquiring in exchange for drugs.



Daunt pleaded guilty in July 2020.



Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; and Christopher Conners, Director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, jointly announced the sentence.



The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wade Napier.



This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Duncan coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.



This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

JUDGMENT UPON PLEA OF GUILTY as to Brandon Michael Daunt (1), Count(s) 1, 1s, 2s, 3s, 3ss, DISMISSED BY MOTION OF THE UNITED STATES; Count(s) 1ss, AND Count(s) 2ss, NINETY (90) MONTHS ON COUNT 1SS AND SIXTY (60) MONTHS ON COUNT 2SS TO RUN CONSECUTIVELY FOR A TOTAL TERM OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY (150) MONTHS; FIVE (5) YEARS SUPERVISED RELEASE ON EACH COUNTS 1SS AND 2SS TO RUN CONCURRENTLY FOR A TOTAL TERM OF FIVE (5) YEARS; $200 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FEE; (cc: Paper copy w/ NOE to COR & copy of SOR; Electronic copy to USP and original SOR returned to USP; Electronic copy to USM, FLU, Finance). Signed by Judge David L. Bunning on 11/03/2020. (KRB) (Entered: 11/03/2020)