Police Implicated in Illegal Sale of Restricted Weapons to Criminals
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CBS News
A CBS News investigation has uncovered a widespread pattern of law enforcement officers across the U.S. illegally selling restricted firearms, including machine guns, for personal profit. The investigation revealed at least 50 cases over the past 20 years where police officers, including chiefs and sheriffs, were involved in gun trafficking, often selling weapons to criminals. Despite the severity of these crimes, many officers received lenient sentences, and federal agencies have been criticized for inadequate oversight and reluctance to prosecute. The issue highlights systemic problems in tracking and regulating law enforcement's access to military-grade weaponry.