Iowa police chief allegedly lied to buy machine guns

IOWA — A police chief in Adair, Iowa has been indicted on federal fees for allegedly mendacity to purchase machine weapons.

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AdairChief of Police Brad Wendt, 46, and Robert Williams, 46, had been each charged with making false statements to ATF concerning the police division wanting to purchase machine weapons, in line with The Related Press.

“Brad Wendt is charged with exploiting his place as chief of police to unlawfully receive and promote weapons for his personal private revenue. The FBI is dedicated to working with our legislation enforcement companions to research and maintain accountable those that violate their oath of workplace to counterpoint themselves,” mentioned FBI Omaha Particular Agent in Cost Eugene Kowel in a information launch from the U.S. Division of Justice.

In response to courtroom information, Wendt allegedly bought about 10 machine weapons for the police division. Some had been later bought at a revenue, the AP reported.

Prosecutors mentioned Wendt had reportedly acquired one other 13 machine weapons for his gun retailer by making false statements to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, stating that the police division wished “an illustration of every of them.” In response to the AP, Wendt additionally allegedly helped Williams to buy 10 machine weapons for his enterprise that had a federal firearms license and did so by making different statements.

In response to the AP, each Williams and Wendt allegedly held public machine gun taking pictures occasions the place folks paid to shoot one of many totally automated weapons.

Prosecutors mentioned that they believed Wendt and Williams had been presumably attempting to stockpile the weapons to promote later. In addition they mentioned that Wendt and Williams allegedly tried to buy or show 90 machine weapons for the Adair Police Division since 2018, in line with the AP.

“This case demonstrates the significance of ATF’s vigilance in regulating federal firearms licensees and bringing to justice those that willfully circumvent federal legislation in favor of non-public revenue and abuse public belief. As we speak’s indictment is the results of seamless collaboration by ATF and our legislation enforcement companions,” mentioned Fred Winston, Particular Agent in Cost, ATF – Kansas Metropolis Area Division, within the information launch.

Wendt and Williams have been charged with conspiracy to make false statements and defraud the ATF, in line with the DOJ. Wendt has been charged with 18 counts of creating false statements to the ATF and a rely of unlawful possession of a machine gun. Williams has been charged with three counts of creating a false assertion, and aiding and abetting a false assertion to the ATF.

The DOJ mentioned that if Wendt is convicted, he may withstand 10 years in jail. If Williams is convicted, he may face a most of 5 years in jail.

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