Fredericktown Man Indicted for Attempting to Buy Firearm While Facing Felony Charges

Madison Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Fredericktown man has been arraigned in federal court after a grand jury indicted him for allegedly trying to purchase a firearm while facing pending felony charges.

64-year-old William B. Branum was charged in a single-count indictment returned on July 22, 2025. Prosecutors say Branum submitted a false written statement to a licensed firearms dealer in Alton on April 26, 2025, in an attempt to acquire a gun. Officials stressed that the indictment is only an accusation and does not constitute evidence of guilt. A federal jury will ultimately decide whether Branum is guilty or innocent.

If convicted, Branum could face up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Sentencing would be determined by the court following a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, in accordance with federal statutes and advisory guidelines.