Mount Sterling, Kentucky, October 23, 2025
News Summary
During the Court Day Festival in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, three men were arrested for illegally purchasing 18 firearms. The suspects, identified as undocumented individuals, were found with rifles and pistols hidden in trash bags. Law enforcement agencies conducted a thorough investigation, revealing concerns about illegal firearm access. The case remains active with federal charges pending against the suspects.
Mount Sterling, Kentucky – On October 17, 2025, federal authorities arrested three men at the Court Day Festival for illegally purchasing 18 firearms. The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Eduardo Rios-Cruz, Damian Hernandez-Cruz, and Gregorio Rios-Cruz, all of whom face charges of possession of a firearm by an undocumented person.
The arrests were the result of an extensive federal investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Mount Sterling Police Department, and the Gateway Area Drug Task Force. The Court Day Festival, known for its open-air market featuring vendors and private sellers of firearms, served as the backdrop for the illegal activities observed by law enforcement officials.
Throughout the course of the festival, investigators monitored the behavior of the three men, noticing numerous suspicious actions. The men were frequently seen transporting firearms to a 2007 black Dodge pickup truck with Tennessee license plates. Witnesses reported that they concealed the firearms in trash bags placed in the truck bed and engaged in multiple trips between various vendors and their vehicle, demonstrating a consistent pattern of behavior.
The situation escalated when law enforcement initiated a traffic stop for a seatbelt violation as the men were attempting to leave the festival. Upon questioning, the suspects provided foreign identification documents but were unable to produce any U.S.-issued identification. Following the inquiry about the potential presence of firearms in the truck, the driver consented to a vehicle search.
During this search, authorities discovered a total of 18 firearms, including 15 rifles and three pistols, hidden in trash bags beneath a toolbox in the truck bed. Each of the three men admitted to being in the United States illegally and reportedly purchased approximately five to six firearms each at the festival. Homeland Security Investigations confirmed that none of the suspects were U.S. citizens.
Furthermore, an ATF firearms expert indicated that all 18 firearms had traveled in interstate commerce and were not manufactured in Kentucky. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding illegal access to firearms and the effectiveness of gun regulation in the Mount Sterling area. The case remains under investigation, and federal charges are pending against the three suspects.
Context of the Case
The Court Day Festival is a long-standing event in Mount Sterling, celebrating local culture with various activities, including an open-air market that attracts vendors from different regions. The presence of firearms at such public events necessitates strict enforcement of gun regulations to ensure public safety. This incident highlights ongoing struggles with illegal firearms transactions involving undocumented individuals, prompting a critical look at existing laws governing gun purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Three men arrested at a Kentucky festival for illegally purchasing firearms.
- A total of 18 firearms were found, including rifles and pistols.
- All three suspects admitted to being in the U.S. illegally.
- The case raises concerns about gun regulations and illegal firearm access.
FAQs
Who were the individuals arrested at the Court Day Festival?
The individuals arrested were Eduardo Rios-Cruz, Damian Hernandez-Cruz, and Gregorio Rios-Cruz.
What charges are the men facing?
They are charged with possession of a firearm by an undocumented person.
How many firearms were found in their possession?
A total of 18 firearms were discovered, including 15 rifles and 3 pistols.
What organizations were involved in the arrests?
The arrests were made as part of a federal investigation involving the ATF, Mount Sterling Police Department, and the Gateway Area Drug Task Force.
Chart of Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | October 17, 2025 |
| Location | Mount Sterling, Kentucky (Court Day Festival) |
| Suspects | Eduardo Rios-Cruz, Damian Hernandez-Cruz, Gregorio Rios-Cruz |
| Charge | Possession of a firearm by an undocumented person |
| Total Firearms | 18 (15 rifles, 3 pistols) |
| Status | Federal charges pending; ongoing investigation |
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: 3 Men Arrested for Federal Gun Charges at KY Festival
- Wikipedia: Gun Control in the United States
- LEX 18: 3 Men Charged with Illegal Firearm Possession
- Google Search: Firearm Possession Laws
- Gun News Daily: Three Charged with Firearm Possession at Kentucky Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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