Fresno Police Cadet Arrested for Illegal Firearms

Joshua Eric Brown, a 27-year-old Fresno police cadet, was arrested by the FBI for possession of illegally manufactured firearms, including a fully-automatic MP5 and an AR-15 style rifle. The FBI's investigation into Brown began in June, leading to his arrest on September 3 after agents executed a search warrant at his apartment. Following the arrest, Brown was terminated from the police cadet position he had held since September 2023, and two other department employees were placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer confirmed the department's cooperation with federal authorities but stated he was not aware of any other officers under investigation. Brown is currently held at Fresno County Jail on a federal marshal hold, with charges related to illegal firearms pending. The Fresno Police Department emphasized its commitment to maintaining community trust amidst the allegations.