This year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is honoring the 100th anniversary of the history of African-American special agents’ service to the FBI and the United States through a coordinated campaign titled Our History, Our Service. B-CU alumnus, Special Agent Justin A. Brannon entered on duty with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on May 1, 2016. He attended Bethune-Cookman University from 2003-2008.
Bethune-Cookman University is one of the black colleges supported by the Black College Fund which provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities.
In October 2016, after completing the Basic Field Training Course at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, Justin reported to the FBI’s Miami division where he was assigned to the Criminal Investigative Division’s Complex Financial Crimes Unit.
Justin was assigned to a squad whose focus was on Corporate and Securities Fraud. By November 2016, Justin had opened his first full investigation and was actively contributing to the productivity of his squad’s investigations.
Throughout his time with the FBI, Justin has investigated numerous cases of fraud with victim losses ranging from $425,000 to $330 million.
Last year, during Justin’s second year as an Agent, he charged and arrested eight subjects who were the targets of his investigations. All eight subjects were convicted and sentenced to time in federal prison with restitution orders totaling approximately $18 million dollars.
One of the most memorable moments he’s had as an agent was an opportunity he had to participate in the FBI’s Honors Internship Recruitment Program at Bethune-Cookman University. Visiting the classrooms, speaking at the informational sessions and interviewing the internship candidates was something Justin enjoyed, and something he looks forward to doing throughout the remainder of his career with the FBI.
Did You Know?
James Wormley Jones believed to be the FBI’s first African-American special agent and was appointed on December 2, 1919. Hundreds of African-American special agents have since followed in his footsteps, including the first African-American woman, Sylvia Mathis, who joined the special agent ranks in 1976.
Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Black College Fund provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities at 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
