Questions raised about ATF operation in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Questions are being raised in the federal government, Senate and Congress regarding an ATF operation at a Milwaukee warehouse.

The warehouse in question is located on Meinecke just east of Humboldt in the city's Riverwest neighborhood. But according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation, the warehouse was quiet and unassuming until a recent storefront sting operation called "Fearless Distributing." It was a front where ATF agents offered money for guns, even from felons.

People who live in the neighborhood are upset the government would bring that kind of customer into the area.

"Honestly, I'm speechless to even think people are coming in and out with guns of all sorts," said Arnold Howard, who lives just down the block from the warehouse. "I would have liked some notice or something to know I was going to be safe."

An internet search shows the building has been for sale for quiet some time. The owner reportedly leased it to "Fearless Distributing" not knowing it was a front for federal agents.

In September, several guns, including an automatic weapon, were stolen from one agent's SUV. In October, the warehouse was burglarized. The federal agents are alleged to have left the landlord with damage to the building and unpaid bills. They may have also left behind potentially sensitive government documents.

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson is now calling for an investigation, as is Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn says one botched operation should not color the entire agency.

"Obviously there were some supervisory breakdowns on their investigation. But I would hasten to add the Milwaukee Police Department has had a strong effective partnership with ATF for years. They have helped us take hundreds of firearms off the streets of this city," said Flynn.

Residents in Riverwest neighborhood hope there will be a community meeting to answer some of their questions.

A spokesman for ATF did not have a comment.