Stephen Brand, who had guns seized from his property by ATF, runs for county commissioner

David Penticuff, Muncie Star Press
·3 min read
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MUNCIE, Ind. — Stephen D. Brand, president of the Muncie Sanitary District Board and the man whose property was raided last year by federal agents seizing "approximately 650 firearms and assorted ammunition," is running for Delaware County Commissioner in District 1.

Brand filed as a Republican Tuesday for the May 7 primary election. The seat is now held by Republican James King, who is serving as president of the three-member board of commissioners this year. King has not filed for re-election, but observers say he is expected to file before the Feb. 9 deadline.

More: Feds again granted delay in resolving Delaware County firearms case

King was not available for comment Wednesday.

Stephen D. Brand
Stephen D. Brand

In a text message to the Star Press, Brand said he did not wish to comment publicly until after his official campaign kickoff on Jan. 25. He has not commented publicly on the Feb. 22, 2023, raid by agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The ATF agents "seized approximately 650 firearms and assorted ammunition" from Brand's property along Delaware County Road 200 West, south of Muncie, according to documents filed by U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers' office.

Agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a raid Wednesday at a property in Monroe Township owned by Stephen D. Brand, president of the Muncie Sanitary District Board.
Agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a raid Wednesday at a property in Monroe Township owned by Stephen D. Brand, president of the Muncie Sanitary District Board.

According to a motion filed by federal prosecutors on Aug. 15, a search warrant leading to the February raid suggested there was probable cause to believe the guns seized were connected to violations of federal law concerning "dealing in firearms without a license." But nearly a year later, Brand has not been charged with any crime in connection with the federal firearm seizure. He has, however, requested the return of his weapons.

Myers' office has yet to formally seek a forfeiture of the firearms and ammunition but has asked the court for three different extensions of time to determine what action to take regarding the case. The most recent was a 30-day delay granted in December. That extension expires Saturday.

More: Feds given until November to act in Delaware County firearms case

Brand's campaign website touts that he went from being a temporary employee to plant superintendent at the old Chevrolet Transmission Division and former New Venture Gear. He said he has served key roles at Magna, which has a plant in Muncie.

"Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am actively involved in church and co-chairing the Muncie Manufacturing Alliance," he noted.

Brand's Facebook page says his campaign kickoff event will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25 in The Clubhouse at 115 S. Walnut St., in Muncie.

More: City: ATF raid tied to 'individual activities'

Who is running for the Muncie Republican primary?

Other candidates who have filed for the Republican primary include:

∎ Elizabeth Rowray, who is running for re-election for Indiana House of Representatives, District 35.

∎ John (J.D.) Prescott, who is running for re-election for Indiana House of Representatives, District 33.

∎ Gregory W. LeMaster, who is running for election for Indiana House of Representatives, District 33.

∎ Doug Mawhorr, who is running for judge of Delaware Circuit Court 3.

∎ Bradley (Brad) Polk, who is running for Delaware County Treasurer.

∎ Tom Borchers, who is running for Delaware County Surveyor.

∎ Jessica L. Piper, who is running for re-election to the Delaware County Council, at-large.

∎ Eugene Whitehead, who is running for Delaware County Council, at-large.

∎ Nanci S, Perry, who is running for Yorktown Town Council, District 2.

∎ Martarose Guinn, who is running for Yorktown Town Council, District 5.

Who is running for the Muncie Democratic primary?

Candidates who have filed for the Democratic primary include:

∎ John E. Bartlett, who is running for Indiana House of Representatives, District 33

∎ Sue Errington, who is running for re-election to Indiana House of Representatives, District 34.

∎ Phillip G. (Phil) Gift, who is running for Indiana House of Representatives, District 35.

∎ Kimberly S. Dowling, who is running for re-election as Judge of Delaware Circuit Court 2.

David Penticuff is a reporter for The Star Press. He can be contacted at dpenticuff@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Brand runs for commissioner and awaits fate of weapons seized by feds