Brian Hindman, a 49-year-old resident of Madera, was arrested on charges related to firearm possession and the possession of counterfeit U.S. Postal Service keys, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
Court records state that law enforcement apprehended Hindman on July 25, 2025, in a casino parking lot while executing an outstanding state warrant for burglary. At the time of his arrest, officers found Hindman with a loaded 9 mm Ruger pistol. Due to multiple prior felony convictions that resulted in over four years served in state prison, Hindman is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Authorities also discovered six counterfeit USPS keys commonly used in mail theft operations. In addition, several driver’s licenses and debit cards belonging to other individuals were found in his possession.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with support from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
“If convicted, Hindman faces maximum penalties of 15 years in prison for the gun charge and 10 years in prison for the possession of counterfeit USPS keys charge. He also faces up to a 250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
