Iowa Police Chief Convicted of Illegally Obtaining and Selling Machine Guns

The police chief of Adair, Iowa, Brad Wendt, 47, has been convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to make false statements to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, making false statements to the agency, and illegal possession of a machine gun. The charges stem from his actions of unlawfully obtaining machine guns and then selling them for personal profit, amounting to nearly $80,000.

Illegal Actions and Conviction

Wendt was accused of lying to the bureau in official letters to acquire the machine guns for the police department, which he later sold for personal gain. The jury found him guilty on 11 of the 15 charges brought against him. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Wendt purchased machine guns for his gun store, including a .50-caliber machine gun, which he mounted on his own armored Humvee. This action was taken using the letters sent to the federal authorities.

In a statement, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel condemned Wendt's actions, stating that he abused his position of trust to unlawfully obtain and sell guns for personal profit. Kowel highlighted the breach of trust, emphasizing that Wendt's actions were contrary to the duties of law enforcement officers who work to protect communities and uphold the law.

Following the jury's decision, Wendt's attorney, Nick Klinefeldt, remarked that the jury's decision was a "split verdict," asserting that Wendt had acted in good faith and did not intend to be dishonest to the ATF. Klinefeldt further explained that while some of Wendt's statements were found to be technically false, the jury's decision was influenced by erroneous jury instructions. He also stated that Wendt plans to appeal the verdict.

The sentencing for Wendt is scheduled for June 14, where he could face a maximum of 10 years in prison for the illegal possession of a machine gun charge.