Brand says federal firearms investigation over; firearms collection returned to family

MUNCIE, Ind. — Stephen Brand, Republican nominee for Delaware County commissioner representing District 1, says a federal investigation that led to more than 600 firearms being seized from his property is over.

"We were informed on July 3, 2024, by the ATF and Department of Justice that they have closed their investigation," Brand said Wednesday in an announcement on Facebook. "The balance of my family's firearms collection has been returned.

"I look forward to working hard while serving the citizens of Delaware County to the best of my ability."

Agents with the U.S. Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Feb. 22, 2023, raided the property of Brand — president of the Muncie Sanitary District Board — along Delaware County Road 200 West south of Muncie.

Court documents indicated "approximately 650 firearms and assorted ammunition" were seized.

In the wake of the raid, the ATF for a time pursued "administrative forfeiture proceedings" targeting the guns.

While documents referred to a federal search warrant that suggested there was probable cause to believe the guns seized were tied to "dealing in firearms without a license," no related charges were ever filed.

Federal prosecutors repeatedly asked for extensions on deadlines to take some related legal action or to return the guns and ammunition.

Court records appear to indicate the most recent deadline, on Jan. 20, passed without any related filings.

The U.S. attorney's office in Indianapolis has declined to even acknowledge an investigation was underway.

When he launched his candidacy for commissioner in January, Brand told The Star Press the federal government had already returned about 75 percent of the firearms seized.

He said the firearms were a family gun collection started by his father. It includes firearms owned by his children and guns from various countries.

Brand — also chairman of the board of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce — unseated commissioner James King in the May 7 Republican primary election.

In the Nov. 5 general election, his Democratic opponent is Ashley Wright.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Brand says federal firearms investigation over; firearms collection returned to family