Louisville, KY — A Louisville man was sentenced on Feb. 4, 2026, for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, ATF Louisville Field Division Special Agent in Charge John Nokes, and Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Paul Humphrey.
Court records show that Clarence Stiff, 44, received a 15-year federal prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On Oct. 27, 2023, detectives with the Louisville Metro Police Department and ATF task force officers attempted to execute a search warrant to obtain Stiff’s DNA. During the encounter, Stiff fled but was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Officers found a loaded Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45-caliber revolver in his sweatshirt pocket.
Stiff was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions, including:
On Dec. 22, 1999, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, convictions for first-degree assault, assault under extreme emotional disturbance, and first-degree wanton endangerment.
On Sept. 4, 2007, in Clark Superior Court, Indiana, a conviction for dealing in cocaine.
On Dec. 20, 2007, in Oldham Circuit Court, Kentucky, a conviction for first-degree promoting contraband.
On Aug. 15, 2013, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, convictions for two counts of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree burglary, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, first-degree wanton endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of second-degree robbery, second-degree assault, and torture of a dog or cat resulting in serious physical injury or death.
On April 10, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, convictions for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, and receiving stolen property involving a firearm.
Because of his criminal history, Stiff was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal. Under federal law, a defendant qualifies for this designation if they possess a firearm after a felony conviction and have at least three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses committed on separate occasions.
U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said, “Stiff has terrorized the citizens of Louisville since 1999. He has repeatedly left victims and tragedy in his wake. No more. Stiff will spend the next 15 years in federal prison thanks to the dedicated work of the Louisville Metro Police Department, ATF, and the United States Attorney’s Office. This office, along with LMPD and ATF, will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute violent career criminals to keep Louisville safer.”
LMPD Chief Paul L. Humphrey said, “A dangerous repeat offender who victimized our community for years is now off the streets. This outcome reflects outstanding police work and strong partnerships with the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We remain committed to protecting the public and holding those who threaten our neighborhoods accountable.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes said, “This case shows the impact of a strong partnership between ATF, LMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Clarence Stiff is a repeat violent offender, and his 15-year federal sentence will make Louisville a safer community.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Louisville Metro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
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