A federal grand jury in Louisville has indicted a local man, Craig Smith, for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment, issued on February 4, 2025, charges Smith with possessing a Smith and Wesson rifle and ammunition on November 16, 2024. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the ATF Louisville Field Division announced the charges.
Smith's previous felony convictions include complicity to theft in Bullitt Circuit Court in 2018, theft by unlawful taking in Jefferson Circuit Court in 2007, illegal possession of cocaine in 2007, and complicity to burglary in 2006.
Following his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge this week, Smith faces up to 15 years if convicted. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering guidelines and statutory factors. It is noted that there is no parole in the federal system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and Mount Washington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting the case.
This indictment is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The initiative emphasizes community trust, support for violence prevention organizations, strategic enforcement priorities, and outcome measurement.
It is important to remember that an indictment is an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
