Michael A. Connard, 28, of Louisville, is headed to federal prison for seven years after terrorizing two men at gunpoint while pretending to be a law enforcement officer. Connard, a two-time convicted felon, was sentenced today by District Court Judge David J. Hale to 84 months behind bars for impersonating a police officer and unlawfully transporting firearms.
According to court documents, on June 22, 2015, Connard and an uncharged accomplice approached a man known as D.J. near Hancock and East Gray Streets. Wearing body armor and flashing a fake badge on a chain, Connard identified himself as “police,” ordered D.J. from his car, brandished a firearm, and struck him in the forehead, leaving a bruise. Hours later, he repeated the act with another victim, J.S., on South Clay Street—this time claiming to be a “Federal Agent” before forcing him from his vehicle and assaulting him.
“Connard impersonated a federal officer to accost, then assault people,” said U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. “This false assertion of police power is exceedingly dangerous and creates a risk of undermining the good work of legitimate law enforcement. We are pleased the Court has dealt with this serious crime sternly and appropriately.”
Connard was arrested later that day in the 800 block of East Chestnut Street by Louisville Metro Police. Officers found him armed with a Taurus PT 24/7, .40 caliber handgun, a Kel-Tec .380, and the counterfeit badge he used to intimidate victims. A search of his home uncovered three additional weapons: a .38 caliber snub nose revolver, a Bushmaster AR-15 type rifle, and a Savage Arms Model 320 12-gauge shotgun—all illegal for a felon to possess.
Connard has a prior criminal record dating back to 2006, when he was convicted in Christian County Circuit Court of Burglary I and Possession of Burglary Tools. In 2008, he was convicted of Burglary II in a separate case. He also faces pending charges in Jefferson County Circuit Court tied to a similar incident on June 2, 2015—just weeks before his federal crimes.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy R. Ream and investigated by the Louisville Metro Police Department with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Connard pleaded guilty to all three counts in a federal indictment on August 8, 2016, and has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
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Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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