Adair Police Chief Brad Wendt has been formally charged with obtaining machine guns through false claims.

On December 14th, a federal grand jury in Des Moines charged Wendt, who they say allegedly exploited his position as the Adair Police Chief to acquire 10 machine guns for the department, but later resold several of them for significant profit through his business BW Outfitters. He also acquired 13 machine guns for the Denison based business through false statements to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, saying that they would be demonstrated to the Adair Police Department for future potential purchase.

Wendt also allegedly exploited his position as Police Chief to obtain 10 machine guns for Williams Contracting, LLC, a federal firearms licensee operated by his friend Robert Williams, who is also being charged. False documentation was allegedly implemented here as well, stating the Adair Police Department wanted demonstrations of the guns for future potential purchase. The ATF says that between July 2018 and August 2022 Wendt sought to demonstrate or purchase almost 90 machine guns for the Adair Police Department.

Wendt and Williams allegedly charged patrons money to fire the machine guns registered to the Adair Police Department, and both of their stores. If convicted, Wendt faces a maximum of ten years imprisonment, while Williams faces a maximum of five years imprisonment. This investigation is still ongoing. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you new information as it becomes official.