A Kenton County resident, Frank Long, aged 53, has admitted guilt to the charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This development occurred in Covington, Kentucky, where Long appeared before U.S. District Judge David Bunning.
The case unfolded following an incident on November 1, 2024. Law enforcement was called after reports of a man urinating in public. Upon their arrival at the scene, officers identified Long and detected alcohol on his breath. A handgun was found between the center console and front passenger seat of his vehicle. Subsequently, Long was arrested for alcohol intoxication. Further examination of his vehicle revealed five loaded firearms.
Investigations disclosed that Long had an active Domestic Violence Order from Scott County, Kentucky. This order was issued on April 20, 2022, and remains effective for three years.
"The defendant was in possession of several loaded firearms despite being subject to a domestic violence protective order," stated Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "The critical teamwork of several law enforcement partners will now hold him accountable for his violation of federal law."
Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General remarked on the case's significance: "Outcomes like this clearly show the continued importance of collaboration in protecting Kentucky families."
The guilty plea announcement was made jointly by United States Attorney Shier; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge at FBI Louisville Field Office; Attorney General Coleman; and Chief Kyle Rader from Erlanger Police Department.
The investigation involved cooperation between the FBI, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and Erlanger Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Leonhard is handling prosecution duties for this case.
Frank Long is due to be sentenced on April 25, 2025. He faces up to 15 years imprisonment; however, any sentence will be determined by the Court based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal statutes.