A Louisiana man, previously convicted of burglary, has been handed down a sentence for illegal possession of a firearm, according to a recent announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Brad Michael Broussard, a 44-year-old from Bourg, Louisiana, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to the charge.
The sentencing, which took place yesterday, by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone, comes as a result of an incident from the year prior. On January 1, 2024, Broussard managed to accidentally strike multiple construction barrels on a highway in Shelby County, drawing the attention of law enforcement. The subsequent traffic stop, escalated quickly when officers decided to search the vehicle after smelling marijuana. This led to the discovery of not only the drug but also four firearms, including a homemade pistol silencer, alongside hallucinogenic mushrooms, prescription pills, and an assortment of drug paraphernalia, according to the Department of Justice.
It was revealed during the investigation that Broussard's criminal history includes five felony convictions for burglary, which, under federal law, prohibits him from owning or even attempting to possess firearms or ammunition. This conviction also ties into the broader nationwide initiative called Operation Take Back America, aimed at targeting illegal immigration and the dismantling of cartels and violent crime.
The case was brought to a close through the collaborative efforts of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
