News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2003

Drug Dealer Draws 60 Years In Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking And Murder For Hire

On August 26, 2003, Mark David Branon was sentenced in federal court to 60 years in prison and a forfeiture order of 3 million dollars was ordered against him for his leadership role in a large scale marijuana and money laundering ring operating between the United States and Mexico between 1998 and 2000.

In March of 2002, while on bail, Branon contracted the killing of Arizona Assistant Attorney General Billie Rosen who served as the lead prosecutor in Branon's case. In March 2002, the assassination attempt resulted in the shooting of Rosen's brother while inside the Rosen residence in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Rosen's brother was severely wounded in the assassination attempt but has since recovered.

During sentencing, Assistant Attorney General Billie Rosen stated, "This was a crime not just against my brother and myself but against the entire criminal justice system." Steven Logan, the federal prosecutor who tried the case, asked the judge for the maximum prison sentence as a message to crooks who consider killing police or prosecutors.

SAC Errol J. Chavez remarked, "Today's sentencing sends a message that those who stalk or kill members of the law enforcement community will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice."

Branon had also been indicted on federal charges in San Diego.