Adair, Iowa [KCCI] — The Chief of Police in Adair remains on the job while he faces more than a dozen federal charges related to machine guns. The recent court filings explain how the investigation into Chief Brad Wendt unfolded, what city council members knew, and when they knew it. KCCI reports the documents describe interviews the FBI conducted with current and former Adair City Council members and the transcripts of closed-session city council meetings.

The court filings also indicate that on Aug. 31, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Police Chief Brad Wendt’s gun store in Denison, and the Adair Police Department. Wendt was placed on paid administrative leave shortly after that. And then, on Sept. 14 — two weeks after the FBI searches — Adair City Council members held a closed-door meeting to talk about Wendt. Transcripts show one council member claimed that Wendt admitted he sold guns for much more than he’d paid for them, claiming to do so on behalf of the city.

Another member defended Wendt — saying the chief had “paid for everything” — and had broken no laws.The council held another private meeting on Oct. 26 — to talk about a letter from Wendt’s attorney. The contents of that letter have not been made public. But by the end of that meeting, transcripts show, the council reinstated Wendt, taking him off of paid leave.

Less than two months later, though — on Dec. 14, 2022 — Wendt was indicted on 19 federal charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office accused Wendt of exploiting his position as police chief to buy or try to buy machine guns over a four-year period. Prosecutors say Wendt claimed the guns were for official police duties, but were actually re-sold, stored, or even used at public events where people were charged money to shoot those guns.

Five days after that indictment, the city council again placed Wendt on leave — this time unpaid. Less than a month after that — on Jan. 11, 2023, the city council held another closed-door meeting. Transcripts show Wendt himself was there, and claimed “everybody” on city council knew he was buying the machine guns. Later that night, the council voted to reinstate Wendt for a second time.

Wendt is due in Federal Court Feb. 5 in Des Moines. If found guilty, Wendt could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years behind bars.