FBI Arrests Fresno Police Cadet on Illegal Weapon Charge. Two Other Personnel Put on Leave.

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 8 months ago on

September 5, 2024

The FBI arrested Fresno police cadet Joshua Eric Brown, 27, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and he remains in Fresno County Jail on a federal marshal's hold. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

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A Fresno police cadet is being held at Fresno County Jail after being arrested by the FBI on Tuesday on an illegal weapon charge.

Two other department personnel have been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, according to a Thursday news release from the Fresno Police Department.

GV Wire’s Edward Smith contributed to this story.

The cadet, Joshua Eric Brown, 27, was jailed at about noon on Tuesday. He remains there on a federal marshal hold, according to jail records.

“The Fresno Police Department takes its responsibility to those living and working in our city very seriously,” said interim police chief Mindy Casto on Thursday. “Allegations of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated in an ongoing effort to build and maintain the trust of our community.”

Joshua Brown, 27, was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Fresno County Sheriff’s Office)

FBI Began Investigation in June

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer told GV Wire on Thursday that the investigation into Brown began in June and the Fresno Police Department cooperated with the investigation.

Brown has been terminated.

Fresno police Sgt. Jeff LaBlue, vice president of the Fresno Police Officers Association, said Thursday that cadets aren’t represented by the union.

LaBlue also said that no officers have contacted FPOA recently seeking representation.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email