Charleston Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Weapon and Drug Violations

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Antwon Rashad Brown, 30, of Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Evidence presented to the court showed that Brown engaged in a multiple year conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Between May 2021 and July 2022, Brown was arrested four times and charged with multiple narcotics and firearms violations.

On July 22, 2021, law enforcement searched Brown's residence and located more than 1.5 kilograms of marijuana, extended firearm magazines, ammunition, digital scales, a money counter, more than $1,000 in cash, a loaded AR-15 style pistol, and a loaded 9mm pistol throughout the residence and his bedroom.

Brown had multiple felony convictions preventing him from legally possessing a firearm and ammunition, including multiple violent acts involving firearms.

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Brown to 1o years imprisonment followed by four years of court-ordered supervision.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Charleston Police Department, and Charleston County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Lietzow is prosecuting the case.

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