Former Iowa Police Chief Convicted for Illegal Possession and Sale of Firearms
A former Iowa police chief may serve prison time for his conviction on charges of using his office to buy an arsenal of weapons that included a Gatling gun and 90 machine guns, some of which he sold for profit in his private business.
The Scandal Unveiled by Texts and Emails
Bradley Wendt, the former police chief who headed a two-officer department, was found guilty by a federal jury in February for conspiring to make false statements to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Texts and emails presented in court revealed how Wendt used his law enforcement authority to purchase firearms that were not accessible to the general public. He admitted to either keeping these weapons for personal use or selling them for exorbitant prices at his gun store.
Bragging Rights as Chief of Police
In a text message exchange from 2019, Wendt proudly declared, “Being chief of police is awesome! Send machine guns to my own gun store. LOL.” This arrogant boast mirrored his confidence in exploiting his position for personal gain.
The Illicit Arsenal
Wendt, aged 47, was also found guilty of illegal possession of a machine gun and making false statements regarding the acquisition of prohibited weapons. Federal prosecutors discovered that Wendt not only made falsified claims in official documents but also acquired a Gatling gun that he mounted on his personal Humvee. This distinctive .50-caliber military weapon is typically reserved for military use on combat vehicles, helicopters, and watercraft.
The Fallout of Wendt’s Actions
Following his arrest, Wendt was promptly terminated as police chief but remains on unpaid leave from the department. He was demoted to a part-time officer role, a stark contrast to his previous position as the head of the Adair Police Department, which caters to a small community of approximately 800 residents.
Facing the Consequences
Wendt’s sentencing is slated for July 1, with potential imprisonment of up to five years for conspiracy, five years for each count of making false statements, and a maximum of 10 years for unlawful possession of a machine gun. Despite his impending incarceration, Wendt has expressed his intention to challenge his conviction through an appellate process.
Profiting from Illegal Activities
In a disturbing revelation, Wendt appears to have profited substantially from his illicit dealings. His messages to a fellow law enforcement colleague illustrate his disdain for the law, as he boasted about the profitability of selling machine guns, such as the MP5SD, which he purchased for $4,000 and sold for $20,000. According to federal prosecutors, Wendt made a staggering $80,000 from the unauthorized sale of machine guns.
This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of abusing power and flouting the law for personal gain. Wendt’s actions not only tarnished his own reputation but also undermined the integrity of the law enforcement profession.