ATF - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

04/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/14/2026 10:35

Convicted Felon Federally Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms in Connection to Fire in Lexington Neighborhood (DOJ)

LEXINGTON, Ky.- A federal criminal complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in Lexington on Monday charging a Lexington man, Jonathan Huff, 37, with illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to the criminal complaint, officers with Lexington Police Department, other emergency personnel, and federal agents were dispatched to a house fire on Orleans Circle in Fayette County. During a preliminary investigation, law enforcement determined Jonathan Huff was a resident of the house and involved in criminal activity. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Huff's residence and vehicle. Two firearms were found inside the vehicle, and Huff admitted to possessing the firearms. Huff is a convicted felon originally from Indiana and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The Lexington Police Department's Hazardous Devices Unit, Lexington Fire Department Arson Investigators, FBI, and ATF are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

"This case highlights how vital rapid intervention and coordination is when a threat to public safety emerges," said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "Thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners, a dangerous situation was addressed, and a prohibited individual was taken into custody. Our Office will continue to act decisively to protect our communities."

"The defendant in this investigation is federally prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior criminal conduct," said John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division. "The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) remain committed to prioritizing investigations that hold accountable individuals who pose a threat to public safety and the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with the Lexington Metro Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in this investigation."

"It takes all of us to keep our communities safe," said Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department. "I want to thank all of our federal, state, and local partners who worked with the Lexington Police Department to investigate the Orlean Circle explosion. Our continued combined efforts help make a safer community for us all."

Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the criminal complaint. Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia Rieker is representing the United States in this case.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations. The Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Contact
CONTACT: Gabrielle Dudgeon

PHONE: (859) 685-4887


Updated April 13, 2026
ATF - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives published this content on April 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 14, 2026 at 16:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]