Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 284 Months in Prison

SOUTH BEND - Brandon James, 35 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

James was sentenced to 284 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in May 2019, James agreed with others to buy methamphetamine in California to bring back to the Midwest for distribution. James provided the cash to buy bulk methamphetamine at a low price. James then flew to California with several co-conspirators, obtained more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, and loaded it into a car. As the methamphetamine was being driven across the country, the car was stopped in Missouri, and the methamphetamine was discovered.

James' co-defendants previously received the following sentences:

Benjamin Hicks was sentenced to 292 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

Terrence Reid was sentenced to 150 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.

Kelvin Franklin was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory with the assistance of the Mishawaka Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the former St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit, and the Missouri State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.