High-ranking Fort Campbell soldier imported gun parts from Russia, China, prosecutors say

If convicted, Lt. Col. Frank Talbert faces 20 years in prison.
By Daniel SmithsonPublished: May. 2, 2024 at 3:15 PM CDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedIn

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A lieutenant colonel stationed at Fort Campbell is facing federal charges for illegally importing firearm parts from United States adversaries, according to federal prosecutors.

Lt. Col. Frank Ross Talbert, 40, with the U.S. Army Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) assigned to Fort Campbell, was arrested Thursday on a 21-count federal indictment charging him with a slew of charges related to smuggling firearms parts into the U.S., firearms trafficking and transporting of a machine gun illegally.

Authorities conducted an investigation, executed several search warrants and uncovered evidence that Talbert illegally imported firearms parts from Russia, China, and other countries, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

If convicted, Talbert faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

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