Gregory Kielma • July 1, 2023
Hording? Maybe. Prepared? Absolutely
June 29, 2023 By James Tarr
Now that I’ve gotten your attention with an inflammatory title let me clarify. For decades, the media has portrayed anyone who stocks up on an extended supply of food and/or other daily essentials as a little kooky at best. The nation’s recent experience with the Coronavirus, the resulting panic, and the government’s ensuing restrictions, has shown not just “preppers” but everyone the value of having an extended supply of what you and your family might need. Many people now realize it makes sense to have on hand a supply of food and necessities in case of the power going out or the grocery stores are closed or the Governor issues a month-¬long “shelter-¬in-¬place” executive order.
We all saw people panic-¬buying bulk packs of toilet paper and water bottles, but the worst time to buy necessities is in the middle of an “event.” Your grandfather would have referred to that as “closing the barn door after the horse has escaped.” The purpose of this article is to provide general guidelines on not just how to “hoard” supplies ahead of time, but to help you figure out exactly what you’ll want to have on hand for you and your family, “just in case.”
How To Stock Up
As to the how, there are two basic ways to stock up on the essentials. The first is my preferred method I call the “One More Rule.” When I first heard there was a run on toilet paper due to the Coronavirus panic, I rightly assumed food would be next. So, I took a look around my house. We had enough paper goods, spare light bulbs, batteries, medicine, etc. to keep us going for months. Some would look at me as a dirty hoarder by having enough food on hand to feed my entire family for probably 3+ months. And by food I mean actual, normal, everyday food that normal everyday people like to eat. Not weird and expensive “survival” food. Now, this didn’t happen because one day I decided to go out and spend an exorbitant amount of money on food.
My “hoard” wasn’t the result of any bulk purchases, but rather one simple rule: If it’s something you already use/consume, and it’s not something that spoils quickly, buy one more than you normally would. Then you simply stick the extra one in the pantry/closet/basement/freezer. Spend an extra five or ten bucks, that’s it, but buy “one more” every time you go to the store. You’ll hardly notice the extra expenditure, but in no time at all you’ll have enough extra to keep your family supplied for a month. If you keep at it you’ll soon have supplies for six months, then a year.
Look around your house. What are you out of? What is in short supply? Whatever it is put it on your next shopping list. You don’t need to buy fifty and break the bank, just buy one or two. The next time you head out buy one or two of something else. The only real problem with this method is it takes time. It’s not a method to use during the hurricane/ice storm/pandemic/power grid failure. This is a long--term accumulation method. Plan ahead. If you do, there’s no need for panic. This mindset/philosophy is so well-¬known it has a name, the 5Ps — Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.
I am not advocating buying a year’s worth of supplies, sticking them in a dark corner of your basement, and then forgetting about them until the next emergency two or ten years from now. That is a great way for half your food and a quarter of your batteries to be unusable. Do not keep your “just in case” supplies as a separate entity. These are things that you use, so use them. But … continue to buy more to replace what you’ve been using, and put the new stuff in the back. By shopping in this manner you are always cycling through your stock. This way you always have on hand what you want/need, and it’s as fresh as possible.
The second method of accumulating supplies is to (when there isn’t a panic stripping the shelves bare) make big purchases. Every three, six, or twelve months, set aside a chunk of money to buy in bulk. Make this part of your household budgeting. Whether it’s a giant Conex container-¬sized package of toilet paper or a fifty-¬pound bag of rice, buying in bulk is almost always cheaper per piece. So, it is economically smart. This is where a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club comes in handy. However, you will need a certain amount of money to do it. So, you need to plan for that expense.
Let me amend my above point. Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper, provided you’re actually going to use/consume what you buy. Some people love SPAM, but if you hate the stuff, don’t buy a case of it on the off-¬chance the world might end. The world never actually ends, and you’ll never eat it. If you do not eat it, whatever money you spent on it is wasted. Plus, it’s taking up room. Buy in bulk things you regularly use and/or eat, and that brings us to the second category.
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What To Stock Up On
If you’re the warrior who braves the aisles of the grocery store every week, you know what your family eat/uses, and what sits on the shelf for six months without being touched. Whatever your family regularly uses, whether that’s toilet paper, batteries, Band-¬Aids, peanut butter or bar soap, those are the items you should always have extra on hand. The best commercial “long-¬term food storage device” is the can. Your pantry should be stuffed with cans of food. The expiration dates on cans usually will be next year, if not years in the future, and whether it’s soup, vegetables, tuna, chili, whatever, you can find it in can form. Better still, canned food is affordable, if not downright inexpensive.
Buy what your family eats, and when trying to stock up for the “Just in Case” days (without breaking your budget, whenever possible) buy what’s on sale. I don’t have SPAM in my pantry, or MREs, but I have half a dozen cans of Dinty Moore beef stew because they were on sale one day. The same goes for tuna, Progresso soup and kidney beans.
Bread, fruits and vegetables and dairy products all spoil in a relatively short period of time. But you’d be surprised at the shelf life of many regular foods, and how many foods freeze very well that otherwise spoil quickly. Stored properly, dry rice and beans will last for years, as will most “baking” supplies like flour, cornmeal, pasta, etc. Learning how to cook using basic baking supplies will help you make the most of your money. Remember, making it yourself is always cheaper than buying prepared food.
Long-¬lasting but not necessarily “long term” products are known as “shelf stable” items, and whether that’s bar soap, bleach, ketchup or pretzels, you need them in your life and in your home. Don’t forget spices and seasonings, which have a very long shelf life. Salt, pepper, sugar, honey, dried herbs, etc. are all good to have on hand. Another thing you’ll need is cooking/vegetable oil of some sort. Coconut oil has perhaps the longest shelf life at two years. Perhaps most importantly, coffee! If you need coffee in the morning, make sure you have extra in your pantry.
Even more important than food is water. Now, chances are you’ll never be in a situation where water is completely unavailable, but there’s a good chance at some point in your life you’ll experience some sort of bad weather or utility disruption that results in a “boil water advisory.” Having a month’s supply of drinkable water on hand is a good idea (one gallon per person per day is the general rule). Cases of water bottles are everywhere, but not cheap, and not the best for long term storage. The bigger the container, the cheaper it is per ounce. Remember, those five-¬gallon jugs of water meant for office coolers are great, and they usually have built-¬in handles. However, also having some sort of water purifier is a must, if only because it is portable and can go with you if you have to travel.
Food and water are the Big 2, but they’re not the only concern. Extra toilet paper is nice to have, yes, but you know what is more important? A vehicle that works. For that, you need gasoline. I still remember the massive power outage in the summer of 2003 that lasted, in some places, for weeks. If the power is out, guess what? Pumps at gas stations do not work. If you need to drive somewhere, chances are the only gasoline you’ll have is what’s in the tank of your vehicle. This situation might last for maybe a day or maybe a week or longer. Not good, but don’t panic.
If you have a lawn, that means you’ll already have a gas can somewhere for your mower. Next time you’re heading to the hardware store, buy a spare can or two. I’d recommend having at least five spare gallons on hand although one entire refill for your vehicle would be better. Steel five-¬gallon “Jerry cans” of the type traditionally used to store gasoline are available for sale online, and I highly recommend them. Five gallons isn’t much, it won’t even fill the tank of your car halfway, but if you need to run someone to the hospital it might be enough to save a life. However, gasoline doesn’t age well. So, every six months or so I’d recommend using the gas in the cans to fill up your tank. Then simply refill them at the local station.
How are you going to buy gas or groceries in the middle of an emergency? Using your credit/debit card? That’s great, as long as the power isn’t out. But sometimes the power goes out, or the internet goes down. Due to this I recommend having an emergency stash of cash. I know, lots of people are living paycheck-¬to--paycheck, but when saving up cash use a variation of the “One More Rule.” Every paycheck, take out $5, $10 or maybe $20 extra in cash and stick it into an envelope somewhere safe. Before you know it, you’ll have hundreds if not thousands of dollars in cash ready for use in case of emergency.
If you or a member of your family has a medical condition that requires pills to be taken every day, prescription or otherwise, having an extra week or month’s supply on hand seems to me a very smart idea. Some medicines have a surprisingly short shelf-¬life, so pay attention to those expiration dates. Most doctors will not have a problem writing a prescription for an extra couple weeks’ worth of medication, just in case. As for the rest … as long as it’s not a drug likely to be abused/resold, you doctor should have no concerns refilling your prescription early because the full bottle of pills you just picked up from the pharmacy accidentally got flushed down the toilet or thrown in the trash.
Storage
If you only want to have a month’s worth of supplies on hand, you will probably be able to fit it into whatever space you’re using for storage right now. However, if you want to keep six months or a year’s supply of food and household supplies, you will need a dedicated food pantry/closet and a separate full-¬size freezer. Having a spare freezer is always a good idea, no matter the size. The small cube--style freezers hardly take up any room, and are very affordable. In certain situations having that overflow freezer capacity makes a huge difference.
Do a little research, and learn which foods store better and how to store certain kinds of food. For everything except those products requiring refrigeration or freezing, a pantry, closet, or basement will do just fine for storage. Whether its rice, peanut butter, or batteries, you will want them stored in a place with somewhat stable temperatures and humidity. If the packaging your food comes in isn’t that great for the long term, think about sticking it in Ziploc bags or airtight containers with lids. This can greatly extend its life.
As I write this I’ve got a news story open on my computer detailing how the FBI as part of the Justice Department’s COVID-¬19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force confiscated N95 masks and other medical supplies from private companies “hoarding” them. In plain English that means these companies legally bought these supplies following the 5P philosophy, but when there was an emergency the government decided to seize them.
My point: whether its food, water, guns, ammo, masks, medicine, or other supplies you’ve bought “just in case,” no one outside of the people those supplies were bought for needs to know you have them. Whether we’re talking panicked neighbors or government agencies who have temporarily forgotten what “private property” means. If no one else knows you have them, then they won’t try to take them away. Remember, the idea isn’t to stock up to survive the Apocalypse. It’s simply to plan ahead, so that during the next societal disruption, big or small, your family has all the things it needs to live life as normally as possible.
About the Author
James Tarr is a longtime contributor to Firearms News and other firearms publications. A former police officer he is a USPSA Production Division Grand Master. He is also the author of several books, including CARNIVORE, which was featured on The O’Reilly Factor. His current best-selling novel, Dog soldiers, is available now through Amazon.
Wanda Kielma, Office Boss: A Life Defined by Strength, Service, and Steadfast Values Wanda Kielma i s a woman whose life reflects resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to the people around her. Known for her unwavering work ethic and her ability to bring calm, order, and compassion into any environment, Wanda has earned the respect of colleagues, friends, and family alike. Raised with strong values and a clear sense of responsibility, Wanda built her reputation through decades of consistent service and leadership. Whether managing complex tasks, supporting others through challenges, or stepping into roles that demanded reliability and integrity, she has always been the person people could count on. Wanda’s professional life is marked by diligence and loyalty. She approaches every responsibility with a level of care that sets her apart—never cutting corners, never compromising her standards, and always putting people first. Her ability to balance firmness with kindness has made her a trusted presence in every setting she enters. Beyond her work, Wanda is the heart of her family . She is the steady voice of reason, the quiet force that keeps things moving forward, and the person who shows up—every time, without fail. Her strength is not loud or boastful; it’s the kind that’s built through years of perseverance, sacrifice, and love. Those who know Wanda describe her as grounded, dependable, and deeply principled. She leads not through titles or recognition, but through example. Her life is a reminder that true character is revealed in the everyday choices we make and the way we treat the people around us. In a world that often celebrates the flashy and the temporary, Wanda Kielma stands out for all the right reasons: her integrity, her humility, and her unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Her legacy is one of quiet strength—and the countless lives she has touched along the way. Our God is Great Wanda Amen….Love you for everything you have done for the past 40 plus years....
Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms Who I Am and Why I Teach: A Personal Message from me, Gregg Kielma Owner of Tactical K Training and Firearms to You, My Family, Friends, Clients and Students Running Tactical K Training isn’t just a business for me — it’s a responsibility I take seriously. Every day, I meet people who want to become safer, more capable, and more confident in their own lives. My job is to give them the tools, the knowledge, and the mindset to do exactly that. I’ve spent years working with firearms, optics, equipment, and real-world defensive concepts. Over time, I’ve learned that skill alone isn’t enough. What matters most is judgment — knowing when to avoid, when to de-escalate, when to escape, and only as a last resort, how to defend yourself or your family. That philosophy guides everything I teach. My approach is simple: clear instruction, real world context, and respect for the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership. I don’t teach fantasy scenarios or “tactical cosplay.” I teach practical, lawful, life preserving skills that ordinary people can use under stress. Whether I’m helping someone mount their first optic, refine their dry fire routine, or understand Florida’s self-defense laws, my goal is always the same — empower them to make smart, safe decisions. I believe in building a community of responsible gun owners who value safety, education, and continuous improvement. That’s why I write articles, update my website, and stay engaged with students long after their class ends. Training isn’t a onetime event. It’s a mindset. If you train with me, you’ll get honesty, professionalism, and instruction tailored to your experience level. You’ll also get someone who genuinely cares about your growth and your safety. I’m proud of the work we do here, and I’m grateful for every student who trusts me to guide them. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep learning. — Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training & Firearms
Tactical K Training and Firearms: Trust and Integrity What a Responsible FFL Dealer Looks Like: A Reflection on me Gregg Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms and How I Run My Business Gregg Kielma 01/18/2026 As someone who works closely with firearm owners, students, and members of our community, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand what true responsibility in the firearms industry looks like. If you want an example of what a responsible Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer should be, you don’t have to look any further than Tactical K Training and Firearms and my staff. I don’t just hold an FFL — I embody the professionalism, integrity, and commitment to safety that the license represents. My Relentless Commitment to the Law One of the defining traits of a responsible FFL dealer is unwavering respect for federal, state, and local regulations. I approach compliance with the same seriousness I bring to every aspect of my work. We Always Ensure: • Every background check is completed thoroughly • Every form is accurate and properly maintained • Every ATF requirement is followed to the letter For myself, this isn’t about paperwork — it’s about protecting the community and upholding the trust placed in me as a licensed dealer. A Teacher at Heart: I’m a USCCA Firearms Instructor I understand that responsible firearm ownership begins with education. I don’t simply transfer firearms; I guide people through the process with patience, clarity, and genuine care. My clients understand: • Safe handling and storage • Legal responsibilities • Appropriate firearm selection • The importance of ongoing training I believe this approach ensures that every customer walks away not just with a firearm, but with the knowledge and confidence to own it responsibly. A Guardian of Community Safety As a responsible FFL dealer, I have to be very vigilant — and I take that responsibility seriously. I know the warning signs of straw purchases, suspicious behavior, and questionable intent. I’m not afraid to slow down, ask questions, or refuse a sale when something doesn’t feel right. That kind of integrity protects everyone. Professionalism You Can Trust As the owner of Tactical K Training and Firearms, we set a high standard in every part of our work. We value: • Honesty • Transparency • Respect • Secure handling and storage • Ethical business practices This professionalism builds trust — not just with clients, friends or family, but with the broader community that relies on responsible dealers to uphold the highest standards. A Positive Force in the Firearms Community When an FFL dealer operates with integrity, it strengthens the entire firearms ecosystem. My work supports lawful ownership, promotes education, and reinforces the culture of responsibility that keeps our communities safe. I’d like people to remember that the firearms industry is at its best when it is grounded in ethics, safety, and service. Gregg Kielma
Houston straw purchasing ring charged with smuggling firearms to North Korea Friday, January 9, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas Alleged ringleader was illegal alien from China with expired U.S. visa HOUSTON – Seven people have been charged for their alleged roles in a firearms trafficking scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The indictment alleges Chinese national Shenghua Wen, 39, whose U.S. visa expired in 2013, served as the ringleader. He has now made his appearance in Houston federal court. Also charged are Chinese nationals Sifu Zhao, 24, Yiyang Wu, 40, and Mingtong Tan, 27, who all resided in Houston; Jin Yang, 60, Ontario, California; Max Mingze Li, 36, Houston; and Richard Arredondo, 51, a U.S. citizen who resided in Mexicali, Mexico. According to the indictment returned Oct. 8, 2025, Wen and his girlfriend, Yang, purchased a gun store and directed the purchase of specific firearms and their sale to straw purchasers, such as Zhao, Tan, Wu, Mingze Li, and Arredondo. Wu also allegedly recruited one straw purchaser into the ring and transported pistols to a second Houston gun dealer for sale to others. Between 2023 and 2024, the group obtained approximately 170 firearms and several thousand rounds of ammunition that were destined for North Korea, according to the indictment. The charges allege Wen recruited Zhao and Tan to act as straw purchasers. They, along with Mingze Li and Arredondo, allegedly bought firearms on Wen’s behalf. Some of the firearms were later transported to another Houston firearms dealer for resale to members of the ring, according to the charges. Wen and Yang are charged with conspiracy and conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking which carry respective terms of five and 15 years in prison, upon conviction. Wen could also receive an additional five years if convicted on any of the seven counts of aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee. Mingze Li, Arrendondo, Wu, Zhao and Tan each face one count of conspiracy and varying counts of aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee with possible five-year maximum terms of imprisonment on all counts, upon conviction. All charges also carry as possible punishment a maximum $250,000 fine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. Updated January 9, 2026
Ohio Man Arrested and Charged for Firearms Dealing, Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition Wednesday, January 14, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts BOSTON – An Ohio man has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple sales of firearms transported from Ohio to Massachusetts. Ruben Joel Sanchez Jr., 31, was charged with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition . Sanchez made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Jan. 9, 2026. According to the charging documents, beginning at least as early as June 2025 through January 2026, Sanchez engaged in the business of unlawful trafficking in firearms. In June 2025, Sanchez, who is not licensed to deal in firearms, sold three firearms to an individual in exchange for $4,000. On Jan. 8, 2026, Sanchez was recorded and observed selling four additional firearms to the same individual in return for $8,500. When Sanchez was arrested at the scene, an AR-style pistol equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a rifle equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a loaded pistol equipped with an extended magazine; and an additional loaded pistol were recovered. The charge of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. The charge of unlawful trafficking in firearms provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Updated January 14, 2026
9mm Hollow Point Ammo Hollow Point vs. Regular Range Ammo and How a Hollow Point Actually Works By Gregg Kielma 01/18/2026 New students often ask me about my everyday carry. I use a Glock 19 loaded with 9mm, 124-grain hollow points that I reload myself using new brass. I always keep one in the chamber for quick access. If needed when I take it out of its holster it’s ready to fire I do not have to rack the slide. This, in my opinion, saves me precious time. This is my plan, yours maybe different. Let’s Take a LOOK at range ammo and hollow points. These are my Thoughts. 1. What is a “regular range ammo round”? FMJ is inexpensive, reliable, and ideal for training. It’s not designed for controlled terminal performance. Most shooters mean FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) when they say, “range round.” FMJ bullets have: • A lead core fully enclosed in a copper jacket • A solid, rounded or pointed nose • Minimal or no expansion on impact • Straight-line penetration through soft targets 2. What is a Hollow point? This expansion round increases stopping effectiveness and reduces the risk of over penetration. A hollow point (HP) — often a Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) — has: • A cavity or hollow opening in the nose of the bullet • A jacket engineered to peel back or mushroom • A design purposefully built for expansion on impact 3. How a hollow point works (simple explanation): This controlled expansion is why hollow points are the standard for self-defense and law enforcement When a hollow point strikes soft tissue: 1. Fluid enters the cavity in the nose. 2. Pressure forces the bullet’s jacket and lead core to expand outward. 3. The bullet mushrooms, creating: o A larger wound channel o More energy transfer o Reduced penetration depth compared to FMJ 4. Key differences Range Ammo Hollow Point (JHP) Nose Design Solid Hollow Cavity On impact Minimal expansion Expands/mushrooms Penetration Often over penetrates Controlled, reduced Best use Training, target shooting Self defense Cost Low Higher 5. Why some ranges restrict hollow points Some ranges — especially indoor facilities — limit hollow points due to: • Backstop wear concerns • Ricochet management • Local policy or insurance requirements
Maplewood Man Admits Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices Wednesday, January 14, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri ST. LOUIS – A man from Maplewood, Missouri on Wednesday admitted selling nine machine gun conversion devices to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Tanario Darden, 23, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two felony counts: transporting prohibited weapons without a license and transferring machine guns. He admitted using his Instagram account to offer machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) for sale. MCDs, also known as switches or auto sears, convert a semi-automatic firearm into fully automatic weapon. MCDs are defined as a machine gun under federal law. ATF agents learned of the Instagram account in the spring of 2024 and an undercover agent contacted Darden. After arranging the sale via Darden, an intermediary delivered two MCDs on April 29, 2024. A different man delivered seven more on May 29, 2024. Darden is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15. The transporting prohibited weapons charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The machine gun charge carries a penalty of 10 years in prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case. Contact Robert Patrick, Public Affairs Officer, robert.patrick@usdoj.gov. Updated January 14, 2026
Ponca City Man Convicted of Possession of Unregistered Short-Barreled Shotgun Thursday, January 15, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – DOYLE GLEN WILSON, 59, of Ponca City, has been convicted by a federal jury of possession of an unregistered firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 7, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Wilson with possession of an unregistered firearm. Testimony presented earlier this week at trial showed that on July 11, 2025, officers with the Ponca City Police Department executed a search warrant at Wilson’s home while searching for a short-barreled shotgun used in an assault. Officers located the shotgun in a closet. Under federal law, possession of a short-barreled shotgun requires that the firearm be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Wilson had not registered the short-barreled shotgun found in his residence. On January 14, 2026, a federal jury found Wilson guilty of illegally possessing an unregistered firearm. At sentencing, Wilson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ponca City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Cole McFerren are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information. Updated January 15, 2026
Brothers indicted for trafficking firearms Thursday, January 15, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Kansas KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging two brothers with illegal firearms trafficking. According to court documents, Markeese Fluker, 27, of Independence, Missouri, and Markel Fluker, 29, of Kansas City, Missouri, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit unlawful trafficking in firearms and four counts of possession and transfer of machine guns. Markeese Flucker is also charged with one of count of possession and sale of a stolen firearm. From September 2025 to December 2025, the Fluker brothers are accused of conspiring to provide firearms to people who they allegedly knew were legally prohibited from possessing firearms and that their acquiring firearms would result in a felony offense. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Updated January 15, 2026
Haitian Nationals Charged With Unlawfully Smuggling Firearms From United States Tuesday, January 6, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Francesca Charles, 28, a U.S. citizen residing in Florida; Jacques Pierre, 32; and his brother, Jeff Pierre, 34, both citizens of Haiti residing in FL, with conspiracy to smuggle goods and unlawfully ship firearms, smuggling goods from the United States, and unlawfully shipping firearms. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. According to court documents, in February 2025, officials in the Dominican Republic seized 18 rifles, 5 handguns, firearms magazines, over 36,000 rounds of ammunition, and a silencer from inside a container that had been shipped from Miami, Florida. The shipping container was destined for Haiti. The firearms and ammunition were not listed on the shipping manifest, which instead listed household goods. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), learned that the defendants were the purchasers of at least 20 of the 23 firearms seized from the shipping container. Throughout the investigation, agents learned that the defendants purchased at least 46 firearms between May 2024 and February 2025, most of which were the same make and model as the firearms recovered in the Dominican Republic. Thirty-seven of those firearms were purchased between August 9, 2024, and February 10, 2025. Agents also obtained records that Jacques Pierre purchased two Barrett .50-caliber rifles, which are heavy-duty military-style weapons that are typically mounted to the tops of vehicles and used in furtherance of violence by gangs and cartels. One of the Barrett rifles was recovered in the aforementioned shipment in February 2025. Travel and shipping records showed that the co-conspirators would facilitate a shipment to Haiti shortly after purchasing a large number of firearms, then would travel to Haiti around the time the shipment was scheduled to arrive in Haiti. Travel records also showed that the defendants traveled to the Dominican Republic three days before the shipping container was intercepted. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the ATF and HSI with assistance from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Updated January 6, 2026
