A northern Kentucky man who caused lockdowns in three Boone County schools last year has been sentenced to four and a half years in federal prison.
Landen Strong, 21, pled guilty to illegally possessing weapons while addicted to controlled substances, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case began on October 8, 2025, when witnesses and school surveillance video captured a man matching Strong’s description on the campus of Walton-Verona High School. The individual was clothed in black and appeared to be concealing a weapon, raising safety concerns and causing school lockdown.
Deputies found Strong later that day. Investigators stated he was no longer dressed in all black and told them he panicked when he saw a patrol car.
Strong informed deputies that he had wrapped firearms and drugs in clothing and hidden them in the woods, authorities said. Deputies seized an AR-15 rifle, two handguns, marijuana, and fentanyl.
According to court records, Strong first told deputies that he parked at the school to feel comfortable while picking up a gun purchased from a woman nearby. Federal prosecutors claimed he later acknowledged to buying a weapon from a friend after using marijuana with him.
He also admitted to being hooked to fentanyl, according to prosecutors.
Investigators discovered another pistol, ammunition, pills, and drug paraphernalia at Strong’s residence.
People who are illegal drug users or addicted to controlled substances are not permitted to own weapons under federal law. A federal judge imposed a 54-month jail sentence on Wednesday.
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