James D. Brunson, Felon in Possession of Stolen Firearms and Ammunition, Utah 2022

A brazen disregard for the law has landed a Utah man behind bars for 20 years. James D. Brunson, 26, of Orem, Utah, was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment for being a previously convicted felon in possession of stolen firearms and ammunition, a crime that threatens the safety of the community.

According to court documents, Brunson stole a duffle bag containing nine firearms and ammunition from a residence in Orem in March 2020. The duffle bag contained two shotguns, three handguns, one revolver, two .22 caliber rifles, an AR-15 rifle, and three boxes containing ammunition for the weapons. Brunson, a convicted felon at the time of the offense, knew he could not possess firearms or ammunition.

Law enforcement officers tracked Brunson to an apartment complex in West Jordan, Utah, after obtaining search warrants. Prior to his arrest, officers witnessed Brunson remove a stolen 9mm handgun from his waistband and discard it in a nearby grassy area. Officers then arrested Brunson and recovered the discarded stolen handgun and six other stolen firearms from a nearby vehicle.

Two of the firearms stolen by Brunson have not been located, and officers established that Brunson attempted to sell the firearms for cash to others prior to his arrest. The six stolen firearms and ammunition affected interstate commerce.

“Brunson’s criminal acts reflect a brazen disregard for the law and demonstrate why restricted persons having firearms is illegal,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “This case also highlights the valuable and ongoing relationship between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Utah County Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners as we continue to seek justice for federal offenders.”

The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Provo Resident Agency, and was initially investigated by the Orem Police Department and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and Angela J. Clifford of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case, which was originally filed by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Kelsy Young working as a Deputy Utah County Attorney.

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.

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