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Machine Gun Stolen, Undercover Agents’ Names Exposed After Botched ATF Sting — Now Lawmakers Demand Answers

Feb. 1, 2013 12:11pm
Lawmakers Demand Answers About ATF Phony Storefront Operation in Milwaukee

AP

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are demanding answers after a damning news report this week outlined an almost unthinkable series of errors in a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sting operation.

For 10 months, ATF agents in Milwaukee ran a storefront operation meant to bust criminals for gun and drug violations. But the operation inside the phony store “Fearless Distributing” didn’t take down any major drug dealers or gang members — instead, the store was robbed of $35,000 worth of merchandise, an agent’s machine gun was stolen, and a document with the names and phone numbers of undercover agents was left behind after the operation was shut down, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

It’s the latest embarrassment for the agency still under the cloud of Operation Fast and Furious. On Thursday, some of the top Washington lawmakers investigating that failed operation turned their attention to the ATF’s actions in Milwaukee with a letter to ATF Acting Director Todd Jones.

In it, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Robert Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) laid out the allegations of failure and mismanagement and set a two-week deadline for answers to 22 specific questions.

“If these reports are accurate, your ability to provide this leadership is in serious doubt,” the letter stated. “You promised to ‘hit the reset button’ when you became acting director. Instead, it appears as though you have hit the ‘repeat’ button, as the Fearless Distributing sting was created and conducted entirely under your stewardship.”

According to the Journal Sentinel, the ATF opened the fake store last year and staffed it with undercover agents who, under the guise of selling clothes and shoes, “let it be known” that they were willing to buy guns and drugs — and at a premium. In one case, an ATF agent paid $1,250 for a handgun with an auction value of just $400 to $700.

In total, the sting resulted in charges filed against just 30 people — mostly for low-level drug or gun counts — but agents also got the wrong person in at least three instances, including one who was actually in prison at the time, the newspaper reported.

“I have never heard of those kinds of problems in an operation,” retired ATF agent Michael Bouchard told the Journal Sentinel. “Sure, small bits and pieces, but that many in one case? I have never heard of anything like that.”

ATF spokesman Special Agent Robert Schmidt did not immediately return a request for comment from TheBlaze, though insisted to the Journal Sentinel that the agency’s operation had made the streets of Milwaukee safer.

“Our number one responsibility is denying criminal access to firearms and that is what we are trying to do,” Schmidt said. “It is our duty to purchase these firearms to protect the American public and citizens of Milwaukee.”

The search continues for the still-missing M-4 .223-caliber fully automatic rifle and another handgun stolen out of an agent’s Ford Explorer. A third gun stolen at the same time was recovered — it was sold back to Fearless Distributing for $1,400. Schmidt told the Journal Sentinel the agency is “actively looking for any missing firearms that might be out there right now.”

“The mismanaged operation included numerous careless and costly mistakes,” Rep. Sensenbrenner said in a statement to Fox News. “Along with my colleagues, I am asking the ATF what happened in Milwaukee and who will be held accountable. I want to know how these glaring blunders could happen. How did ATF—for the second time that we know of—put guns in the hands of dangerous criminals?”

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Comments (120)

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  • elosogrande
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:56pm

    Everyone connected to this mess has to be fired, and you have to all the way to the top. It doesn’t matter how high they have to go, without severance pay, pensions, healthcare or anything else. If it was legal, i’d sue them for all of the money spent, including the salaries paid to each and every imbicile would knew about this mess.

    Another fiasco by the most poorly run government in decades…or maybe centuries.

    Report this comment

    elosogrande  
    • WarMunger_Al
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:34pm

      ATF needs to be disbanded. They have brought nothing but shame to America. TIme after time the botch investigations and murder American citizens. Incompetence doesn’t even begin to describe these people

      Report this comment

      WarMunger_Al  
    • ANTISOCIAL-IST
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:36pm

      @elo: sorry for jumping on your post.

      http://www.gofundme.com/1tkukc#description

      this is a legal defense fund for a vet charged w/five felonies in nys for possession of empty 30-round mags, before unconstitutional ban went into effect.

      Report this comment

      ANTISOCIAL-IST  
    • Talent-Keyhole
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:41pm

      Brought to you by the same bunch of incompetents who brought us Ruby Ridge and Waco. Although the Ruby Ridge business had FBI including Ron Haruchi the sniper in the thick of things. Speaking of Haruchi, wonder is he is still looking over his shoulder now that the was outed a couple years back?

      Report this comment

      Talent-Keyhole  
    • Ben__Franklin
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 2:00pm

      So now we have a “FULLY” automatic M14 Carbine – (AKA AR15) loose on the streets due to our Government that’s trying to ban those pesky Semi-Auto versions. Did that fully Auto only have a magazine for 10 rounds? Why would anyone in the ATF need more than 10 rounds to protect themselves? They can wear coats that say “GUN FREE ZONE” on the back for back-up protection.

      You cannot make this stuff up…..

      Report this comment

      Ben__Franklin  
    • term limits for congress
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 2:09pm

      Obviously, the Bureau of Alcohol needs to be moved to the GSA where it belongs.

      Report this comment

      term limits for congress  
    • Ben__Franklin
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 2:11pm

      Ooops M4 (M14 Totally Different)

      Report this comment

      Ben__Franklin  
    • SUNTZU
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 2:29pm

      SAD
      ATF could not bust their way out of a
      cardboard box

      Report this comment

      SUNTZU  
    • SUNTZU
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 2:35pm

      BEN
      its OK M-4 & M-14 can both be full-auto !

      Report this comment

      SUNTZU  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 2:35pm

      Nice, what incompetents we have in government. Feinstein wants to take our guns because Americans aren’t smart enough to use them properly, an then this goes and happens. Right, who’s the irresponsible gun owner here, the government?
      http://www.isthatbaloney.com/if-you-dont-think-they-want-your-guns-just-read-senator-dianne-feinsteins-proposed-legislation/

      Report this comment

      Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • Lawyersuk
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 4:17pm

      Remember….THESE are the same kind of “government officials” and “law enforcement officers” that will be EXEMPT under Feinstein’s gun grab.
      The F’ng morons will be able to still carry and LOSE their full auto guns, while you will have to register your semi auto and keep the mags under 10 rounds.

      This is why the personally owned weapons of active and retired law enforcement CANNOT be allowed to be exempt if any of these laws are passed.

      Report this comment

      Lawyersuk  
    • PASSIONFORCHRIST
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 6:15pm

      Their doing this on purpose to get rid of this department. Please read the NAKED TRUTH, as Glen suggested. Then you will understand why all the screw ups!

      Report this comment

      PASSIONFORCHRIST  
  • Thundergod
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:54pm

    Anyone remember the ATF agent that was speaking at a school and shot himself with his own gun after proclaiming only weapons experts like him should handle guns? LOL! What a bunch of clowns.

    Report this comment

    Thundergod  
    • Bonnieblue2A
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:19pm

      That was a DEA agent in Orlando, not BATFE. Accuracy matters in all things related to firearms. There is enough disinformation spread by the gun-grabbers.

      Report this comment

      Bonnieblue2A  
  • neverending
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:53pm

    Same old, same old – demand answers – answers to 22 questions? Yeah and I just bet we will get a lot of answers – NO – there will be nobody that has to answer for this just as with Fast and Furious just the same old delay, lie, delay, lie and delay and lie until the focus can be on the next disaster.

    Report this comment

    neverending  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:49pm

    The Keystone Cops run a sting.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 5:27pm

      ……Three Stooges??? Actually, I think I would trust them more!

      Report this comment

      338lapua  
  • woodyee
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:49pm

    The fish stinks from the head down. Since Gaybama has not fired Holder, Gaybama is responsible. Holder is an incompetent Leftist who has been arming criminals for over a year!

    You know, Kim Jung Un had NO military experience whatsoever before Daddy made him a four-star general. This snot-nosed twerp had never accomplished anything in his life that would even come close to military leadership. He hadn’t even so much as led a Cub Scout troop, coached a sports team, or commanded a military platoon. So he is made the “Beloved Leader” of North Korea. Terrific!

    Oh carap! I’m sorry. I just remembered that we did the same thing. We took an arrogant community organizer, who had never worn a uniform, and made him Commander-in-Chief. A guy, who had never had a real job, worked on a budget, or led anything more than an ACORN demonstration, and we made him President of the United States – - – - TWICE !!!
    I’m sorry I brought this up. Never mind.

    Report this comment

    woodyee  
  • WillG
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:48pm

    What a fitting and perfect example of Governments ineptitude on all levels from the top to the very bottom. All the while cramming legislation down our throats. Sickening.

    Report this comment

    WillG  
  • OKNative
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:46pm

    Did Barney Fife move from Mayberry to Milwaukee?

    Report this comment

    OKNative  
    • BODYBAG
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:33pm

      Apparently so.
      Make no mistake —- and if you didnt know this before take note ——
      The President sets the TONE for the Nation and everyone under him.

      Put a choom daddy incompetent slacker in the WH and everyone follows the lead
      either consciously or unconsciously. It collapses into a dung heap.

      Put a “by the book” hard-nosed LEADER in the WH who doesnt take any $***,
      does not except excuses and doesnt tolerate failure and you’ll get a governmental
      structure that runs like a swiss watch.

      Report this comment

      BODYBAG  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 5:31pm

      Barney, and his brother Daryl…….and his other brother Daryl.

      Report this comment

      338lapua  
    • pissantno.10
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 7:01pm

      guess we have to through gomer in there now

      Report this comment

      pissantno.10  
  • coyote1hell
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:44pm

    The ATF cannot run a crapy little gun shop, without screwing up…what a bunch of Clowns…WOW..!

    Report this comment

    coyote1hell  
  • Thundergod
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:44pm

    End the ATF

    Report this comment

    Thundergod  
    • naughtycal
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 1:08pm

      Alcohol,tobacco,fire arms are all legal why the hell do we need an agency to police Constitutional rights,and why keep them around when in the last twenty years they have been directly or indirectly resposible for murders in operations like Waco,Ruby Ridge and fast and furious……Not only should they be dismantled and eliminated,we should also get legislation through that will hold the agencies with in the government under accountability for their action.

      Report this comment

      naughtycal  
  • AmericaMustBeFree
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:42pm

    Isn’t it wonderful how well Obama is running things! Oh, and the Republican’s have their panties in a wad.. how about impeachment.. when will you people get a spine.. I am sick of the smoke and mirrors, or your pretending like you give a damn!!

    Report this comment

    AmericaMustBeFree  
    • shari6000
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 3:24pm

      I agree IMPEACHMENT seems to be the ticket. These idiots want to take OUR GUN RIGHTS AWAY, when they put AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON on the streets. Sounds like a DOUBLE standard to me. What are they smoking in Milwakee?

      Report this comment

      shari6000  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 5:33pm

      This is the operation that Dear Leader wanted. All went according to plan. Relax my peons all is well!

      Report this comment

      338lapua  
  • ronin_6
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:41pm

    I predict no one will lose their job. No one will lose their tax payer funded pension. No one will miss a promotion. Nothing will get done. Nothing.

    Report this comment

    ronin_6  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:59pm

      Of course not. They are above reproach. They are untouchable priestly saints. To question them is to question the Messiah. We just can’t have that. [sarc]

      Report this comment

      Cavallo  
  • ilovetheusa1
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:32pm

    this guy got his job thru affirmative action, a true success story.

    Report this comment

    ilovetheusa1  
  • pahrumper
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:30pm

    The ATF is Obummers baby and he will protect that “SS” arm of the gov at all costs, who else can run open loop with no repriasals?

    Report this comment

    pahrumper  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:53pm

      The ATF has been around since before Obama was born. It’s changed names many times and been assigned to different departments and been tasked with different duties over the years. But you can trace it’s roots back to the 1880s, and even the modern version of what people think of when they hear ATF goes as far back as the 1930s.

      Report this comment

      Rowgue  
  • truthnstuff
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:28pm

    The 2 week deadline will come and go, there will be no answers and the committee will be dismissed by the “one: This regime is arming their peeps, please move on.

    Report this comment

    truthnstuff  
  • Al J Zira
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:26pm

    And these are the people that are supposed to tell law biding citizens what guns they can possess and can’t possess. You gotta be kidding me.

    Report this comment

    Al J Zira  
  • RaydocX
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:26pm

    so… they left an automatic weapon accessible in their vehicle.
    see, even when only the ‘good guys’ have automatic weapons, the bad guys will manage to get them.
    perfect reason anyone who wants should be able to own.

    and the stolen weapon was not recovered, but one was sold back to the store?! There wasn’t an immediate arrest and warrant service?

    my son does a better job haggling for deals than these fools… $1250 for a $700 gun? You KNOW no criminal was about to indict themselves; there might as well have been signs up proclaiming ‘ATF’

    We need LEO, but the ‘operations’ we keep seeing from the Feds smack of waste from conception through execution.

    it’s a perfect example of why it should not be FBI or ATF or any of the alphabet soup swooping in to take over or save a community… they should provide expertise to be used at the direction of the local LEO administration only.

    Report this comment

    RaydocX  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 1, 2013 at 7:56pm

      The selective fire A-4 was left at an Alterra coffee shop on Humboldt ave. The criminals were buying guns at Gander Mountain to sell to these zero’s because they were paying so much…….my eyes are bleeding!

      Report this comment

      338lapua  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:25pm

    Great, how many more dead will be found at the hands of Obama?

    Report this comment

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Cavallo
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:25pm

    At least this time they didn’t shoot any infants (ruby ridge) for burn any children alive (waco).

    Report this comment

    Cavallo  
  • nocalifornia
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:24pm

    New administration mantra “what difference would it make senator”

    Report this comment

    nocalifornia  
  • jcldwl
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:23pm

    Our ever so efficient government at work. They can’t get anything right. Gonna be funny to see how they screw up when they try to take our legally owned guns.

    Report this comment

    jcldwl  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:23pm

    The keystone cops at it again eh,the ATF is just another F up agency that shouldn’t even exist.How did we survive before they were ‘gifted’ to us? Hell just create another useless agency to fix the ATF that sounds like something any statist would be up for huh?

    Report this comment

    progressiveslayer  
  • VetMike
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:22pm

    Once again the BATF excels at stupid and incompetent. They are Olympic class dumba&&es. And we pay taxes to keep these mental midgets employed.

    Report this comment

    VetMike  
  • Fubared
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:22pm

    BATFE needs to go the way of the dodo bird. Money wasting power hungry wankers. Another useless acronym.

    http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/atfs-milwaukee-sting-operation-marred-by-mistakes-failures-mu8akpj-188952581.html?abc=Ct5vpWpS

    Report this comment

    Fubared  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:21pm

    What a bunch of incompetent boobs!

    Report this comment

    RightUnite  
  • zombiehunter
    Posted on February 1, 2013 at 12:19pm

    Let’s ban ATF, it’s obvious they are the ones arming the criminal class. I’m not, so leave my guns alone

    Report this comment

    zombiehunter  
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