South Bend Man Convicted Following 2-Day Jury Trial
SOUTH BEND – Brandon Edelman, age 32, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert L, Miller, Jr, presided over this 2-day trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, Edelman led South Bend Police officers on a high speed chase for thirteen minutes at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. While Edelman drove the car, his passenger threw a firearm out of the window. After he was apprehended, he told police that he told the passenger to throw the gun out and that he possessed the gun for protection during his drug dealing. Police found methamphetamine on Mr. Edelman. After he was apprehended, police retraced the route and found the gun Edelman admitted was thrown from the car. Edelman had been convicted of at least one prior felony offense.
Sentencing of Mr. Edelman has been set for May 15, 2019.
The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from ATF, South Bend Police, and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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