Jacksonville fugitive sought on federal gun, drug charges

Police were searching Sunday for a Jacksonville felon who disappeared after being indicted on federal firearm and drug charges in February.

Brian Nathaniel "Breezy" Branch, 33, should be considered armed and dangerous. He is wanted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Branch is aware he is being sought by law enforcement authorities, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.

A federal grand jury Feb. 6 indicted Branch on single counts each of unlawful possession/transport of a firearm, and distribution of crack cocaine earlier this year, court records show.

The indictment accuses Branch — who has at least nine aliases — of possessing a 9mm semiautomatic pistol from Jan. 9-31 this year. Branch has prior convictions dating back to 2003 on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, four counts of possession of cocaine, and attempted robbery, according to the indictment.

Branch also is accused of distributing a controlled substance — crack cocaine — on Jan. 9 this year, the indictment states.

In addition, Branch faces state felony charges of possession of a firearm, weapon or ammunition by a felon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill stemming from a 2018 Jacksonville incident, Duval County court records show.

In that case, Branch is accused for shooting at his brother during a dispute Nov. 3, 2018 at an apartment complex in the 6100 block of Arlington Expressway. No injuries were reported in that case, a Sheriff's Office arrest and booking report showed.

He was released from state prison in September 2016 after serving about four years of a five-year sentence for Duval County convictions of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a felon, Florida Department of Corrections records show.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Teresa Stepzinski: (904) 359-4075