Brandt Convicted of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm

Evidence presented at trial proved that in the early morning hours of June 2-3, 2020, the victim encountered the Defendant at the Cooks Motel. The Defendant told the victim he was homeless and needed a place to stay. The victim invited the Defendant into his motel room to freshen up and get something to eat. Once inside, the Defendant asked the victim for some money to help him out. The victim went into the bathroom to get some money out of his wallet in private and upon exiting the bathroom, the Defendant began beating him with the butt of a very large handgun. When the victim found an opportunity to escape, he fled to the front office for help. Within minutes, BCSO Deputy David Jones saw the Defendant walking across the road with the firearm in his hand and detained him.

This case was investigated by Cpl. Jacob McGowin with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Barbara Beasley and Jacob Cook.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Ana Maria Garcia. The Defendant faces a 10-year mandatory prison sentence under the 10/20/Life law because he used a firearm during the commission of the aggravated battery.

For additional information, contact State Attorney Larry Basford.