U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV | U.S. Department of Justice
A Kenton County man, Frank Long, aged 53, has entered a guilty plea for illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This plea was made before U.S. District Judge David Bunning in Covington, Kentucky.
The case originated on November 1, 2024, when law enforcement responded to a public disturbance involving a man reportedly urinating in public. Upon arrival, officers identified Long and his vehicle. Detecting alcohol on his breath, they discovered a handgun positioned between the center console and front passenger seat of his car. Long was subsequently arrested for alcohol intoxication, leading to further investigation that uncovered five loaded firearms in his vehicle.
Authorities found that Long had an active Domestic Violence Order from Scott County, Kentucky. This order was issued on April 20, 2022, with a validity period of three years.
"The defendant was in possession of several loaded firearms, despite the fact he was 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."
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman remarked on the significance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies: "Outcomes like this clearly show the continued importance of collaboration in protecting Kentucky families."
The guilty plea announcement involved United States Attorney Shier; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI Louisville Field Office; Attorney General Coleman; and Chief Kyle Rader from Erlanger Police Department.
The FBI conducted the investigation along with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and Erlanger Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Leonhard is handling prosecution duties.
Long's sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2025. He faces up to 15 years imprisonment but will be sentenced based on considerations outlined by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal sentencing statutes.
