LUFKIN, Texas — An Angelina County man was sentenced to federal prison for gun violations, according to U.S Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Johnathan Edward Brandt, 38, of Lufkin, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth as well as possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison Thursday.
A press release said undercover officers purchased meth from Brandt several times. Agents were also able to purchase a gun from Brandt during one of the undercover transactions. He was arrested in March of 2023 as law enforcement responded to a report of individuals wearing ski masks and carrying flashlights at a Lufkin Business. Brandt was found in possession of a stolen gun and had an outstanding warrant. A further investigation found Brandt drove to the store in a stolen vehicle, which was carrying another 13 guns, ecstasy pills, meth, alprazolam, cash, ammunition and magazines.
Brandt admitted to trading drugs for guns, the press release said. Officers conducted a search of Brandt's home, where they reportedly found methamphetamine, digital scales, ecstasy, marijuana, more guns, and a stolen vehicle. Brandt has prior felony convictions for several felony thefts, multiple burglary of a habitation offenses, possession of a prohibited weapon and multiple felony possession of a controlled substance offense.
The investigation was conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; and the Lufkin Police Department.