Franklin Gomar, Child Abuse & Gun Crime, Indiana 2023

NEW ALBANY, IN – Franklin Gomar, 42, of Kentucky, is headed to federal prison for over seven years after being convicted of illegally possessing a firearm while failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. The sentencing, handed down Wednesday, highlights a dangerous pattern of criminal behavior and disregard for the law, authorities say.

According to court documents, Gomar’s criminal history dates back to 2001, when he was convicted of 2nd degree manslaughter and the sexual abuse of a 9-year-old child in Jefferson County, Kentucky. The sexual abuse conviction triggered a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender in any state where he resides. Yet, Gomar knowingly failed to register or update his registration after moving to Scottsburg, Indiana, on or before March 1, 2020 – a clear violation of the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act (SORNA).

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) moved in on March 13, 2020, executing a search warrant at Gomar’s Scottsburg residence. The search uncovered a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun on Gomar himself, and a rifle with a high-capacity magazine in the bedroom. Investigators quickly determined the rifle had been stolen from the Louisville Metro Police Department in March of 2019, adding another layer to the criminal charges.

Because of his prior felony convictions, Gomar was legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers, didn’t mince words, stating, “This extremely dangerous defendant…is exactly the type of individual our office works to ensure is behind bars.” Myers commended the collaborative efforts of the ATF, Indiana State Police, U.S. Marshals, and Scott County Sheriff’s Office in bringing Gomar to justice.

Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division, emphasized the agency’s commitment to disarming individuals with violent pasts. “The law clearly defines when an individual is prohibited from possessing a firearm,” McCormick said. “The defendant’s past violent criminal record…clearly place him in the prohibited category.” Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin issued a stark warning to potential criminals: “If you break the law or are a fugitive from justice, we will work with all law enforcement agencies necessary to assist in getting you arrested.”

Gomar received an 87-month (7 years and 3 months) federal prison sentence from U.S. District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Following his release, he will be subject to five years of supervised probation. Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash prosecuted the case. The investigation was a joint effort between the ATF, Indiana State Police, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Region Fugitive Task Force.

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