On Wednesday, a federal grand jury indicted Larry Edward Brown, Jr., 42, of Peoria, on one count of Involuntary Manslaughter of an Officer of the United States.

The indictment alleges that on August 17, 2023, Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) used the firearm range at the Federal Correctional Institution – Phoenix for standard pistol qualifications and classroom training. Brown, who has served as a special agent for IRS-CI for over 12 years, is a trained Use of Force Instructor.

After all training had concluded for the day, Brown entered a building known as the “Tower,” a small, one-room structure with an interior measuring approximately eight feet by nine feet, located on the range where firearms instructors can observe and command live-fire trainings. The only other occupant inside the Tower was Special Agent Patrick Bauer, a 15-year veteran of IRS-CI and a trained Use of Force Instructor, who had led the live-fire pistol qualifications that day. As alleged in the indictment, while inside the Tower, Brown handled his firearm without due caution and with reckless disregard for human life, striking Special Agent Bauer in the torso with a single gunshot.

Despite life-saving efforts by agents at the scene, EMTs, and hospital staff, Special Agent Bauer died as a result of the penetrating gunshot wound.

Brown had his initial court appearance today and has been released. The matter has been set for trial on April 2, 2024.

Involuntary Manslaughter of an Officer of the United States carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case, with assistance from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.