SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A Republic, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms.

Franklin E. Brownlee, 41, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 60 months in federal prison without parole, followed by three years of supervised release. Brownlee pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2025.

According to court records, on March 27, 2025, deputies with the Greene County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) responded to a domestic disturbance at Brownlee's residence. During the incident, Brownlee discharged the firearm over the head of the victim. Upon learning that police were responding to his residence, Brownlee, who was under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine, had gathered multiple firearms and was behaving erratically. Brownlee made multiple statements threatening to kill responding officers. Officers responded, utilizing drones to monitor the situation, and prevent Brownlee from driving away from the property.

During the incident, Brownlee stood outside of his shop building and appeared to hold a firearm. Deputies reported hearing a gunshot. The drone footage captured Brownlee attempting to shoot at the drones. After several hours, law enforcement was able to convince Brownlee to disarm and surrender. Investigators located a Glock 26 pistol, a Remington model 17 shotgun, and a SGT Stitched Armory AR15 in Brownlee's truck. All three firearms were loaded and a tactical vest containing AR15 magazines was in Brownlee's shop.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Greene County, Missouri Sheriff's Office.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).