Pensacola Pair Indicted in Federal Fraud Case

Christopher Jason Brossett and Brady Allen Howard face federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy in Pensacola.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Financial Crime

Pensacola Pair Indicted in Federal Fraud Case

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A federal grand jury has indicted Christopher Jason Brossett and Brady Allen Howard on seven counts of wire fraud and conspiracy. The defendants appeared in court in Pensacola to face charges investigated by federal and state authorities.

Why it matters

The federal indictment marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial crimes. Both men could face decades in prison if convicted of the charges.

Brossett and Howard face a maximum of 20 years for fraud charges, while Brossett faces an additional 10 years per money laundering count. The case is being handled in the Northern District of Florida.

The players

Christopher Jason Brossett

The 45-year-old Destin resident is one of the two primary defendants named in the federal indictment.

Brady Allen Howard

The 59-year-old Destin resident is a co-defendant charged alongside Brossett in the federal fraud case.

Hope T. Cannon

She serves as a Magistrate Judge in the federal court system where the defendants were arraigned.

Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation

This federal agency is responsible for investigating potential criminal violations of the tax code and related financial crimes.

Florida Department of Financial Service, Bureau of Insurance Fraud

The bureau is a state-level agency tasked with investigating allegations of insurance-related fraud.

The details

Christopher Jason Brossett, 45, and Brady Allen Howard, 59, of Destin, were formally arraigned before Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon. The case was brought following an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Service, Bureau of Insurance Fraud.

Timeline

  1. October 28, 2026: Federal indictment announced against Brossett and Howard.

  2. December 14, 2026: Scheduled jury trial.

Legal Context

This indictment follows established federal protocols for the prosecution of wire fraud and conspiracy cases. Such proceedings reflect the standard application of federal criminal statutes within the Northern District of Florida.

The federal indictment underscores the ongoing oversight by state and federal agencies tasked with protecting the local community from financial misconduct. Residents can monitor court proceedings as the case progresses toward its trial date.

The takeaway

Individuals facing federal charges must navigate a complex judicial process that can span several years. It is important for the public to observe court records as the official legal system processes these serious allegations.

What happens next

A jury trial is scheduled for December 14, 2026.

Further reading

For more information on legal proceedings in the area, read our Financial Crime section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.

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