Brian Jones, 30, of Hamilton, Ohio, is headed to federal prison for 8 years after threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend and her two minor children during a violent, armed confrontation in Indianapolis. Jones, a convicted felon with more than eight prior felony convictions, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II.
The incident unfolded on May 7, 2019, when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to a frantic 911 call from a woman at 4006 Independence Drive. She told officers that Jones had shown up uninvited, entered her home under threat, and carried a small blue bag. After falling asleep, Jones awoke enraged, accusing her of stealing his phone. That’s when he pulled a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun, pointed it at her, and threatened to kill her and her children.
Fearing for her life, the woman quietly slipped downstairs and dialed 911. By the time officers arrived, Jones had fled—but not before leaving behind the firearm and a stash of drugs. Inside the blue bag, police found the handgun, along with small amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana. Jones is legally barred from possessing any firearm due to a lengthy criminal history that includes three prior firearms convictions, drug trafficking, and membership in a criminal gang.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash prosecuted the case, securing the 8-year sentence under federal law. Jones must also serve two years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. He currently faces additional pending charges for violating Ohio state parole and supervised release from the Southern District of Ohio.
“During these challenging times, Indianapolis has seen an increase in domestic violence, murders, and shootings,” said U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler. “I commend IMPD and ATF for getting Mr. Jones off our streets and into a federal prison before the results of his pattern of criminal behavior became more tragic.”
“Keeping guns out of the hands of serious violent felons is a critical part of the IMPD’s efforts to address violence,” said IMPD Chief Randal Taylor. ATF Special Agent in Charge Roland H. Herndon added, “No one, especially children, should live in fear of another. Domestic violence will not be tolerated.” The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
RELATED: Jonesboro Meth Dealer Gets 20 Years, Shot at Feds
RELATED: Little Rock Dealer Gets 18 Years for Fentanyl & Heroin
Related Federal Cases
- Mark Andrew Mazza Arrested for Gun, Assault in Jan. 6 Capitol Siege · Washington
- Indiana Man Arrested for Gun, Assault in Jan. 6 Capitol Breach · Washington
- Westville Felon Vincent Jones Gets 97 Months for Gun Possession · Indiana
- Fort Wayne Man Charged with Illegal Firearm Possession · Indiana
- Dannie Wireman Sentenced · Indiana
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons