Brandon J. Yates, Unlawful Firearm Possession, Idaho 2021

Brandon J. Yates, 38, of Mountain Home, was convicted by a federal jury on November 16, 2021, for unlawful possession of a firearm—a charge rooted in his history of domestic violence and a deliberate attempt to hide the weapon from authorities.

The conviction stems from a March 9, 2021 search of Yates’ residence conducted by U.S. Probation officers under a supervision agreement. Inside the attic of his garage, agents discovered a concealed firearm, stashed in a location suggesting intent to evade detection. Evidence presented at trial confirmed Yates not only possessed the weapon but deliberately hid it from law enforcement oversight.

Court records show Yates was previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, a disqualifying offense under federal law that bars individuals from owning or possessing firearms. Despite this, he maintained access to a weapon, placing him squarely in violation of federal statutes designed to protect public safety and enforce gun control restrictions.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted in the investigation, lending forensic and tactical support to confirm ownership and handling of the firearm. Probation officials played a critical role in uncovering the evidence during a routine compliance check, underscoring the reach of federal supervision in monitoring high-risk offenders.

Yates now faces up to ten years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release. No sentencing date has been set. A federal district court judge will weigh the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors before issuing a final judgment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr., of the District of Idaho, announced the conviction and praised the collaboration between ATF and U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services. ‘This conviction reflects our commitment to holding dangerous offenders accountable,’ Gonzalez stated, emphasizing that federal law will not tolerate illegal gun possession, especially by those with histories of domestic violence.

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