A former Army explosive ordinance disposal technician was charged in federal court Friday in Kansas City, Kan., with unlawful possession of grenades, acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
John A. Panchalk, 42, Overland Park, Kan., was charged with one count of possessing two M-67 fragmentation grenades that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
According to an agent’s affidavit, the investigation began May 19 when police were called to the Parkville Self Storage Facility in Parkville, Mo. They found several trailers and vehicles had been vandalized. In and around one trailer, they found ammunition canisters, rocket fins, blasting caps, C-4 explosive and military grenade simulators. They determined Panchalk was the owner of the trailer.
When investigators contacted Panchalk at home in Overland Park, he was evasive when they asked him about the contents of the trailer, a U.S. attorney’s spokesman said. When they executed a search warrant at Panchalk’s home, they found 38 pounds of C-4 explosive, detonation cord, blasting caps, grenade simulators, incendiary devices and the two M-67 fragmentation grenades.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated with assistance from the FBI, the Parkville, Mo., Police Department and the Overland Park Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead is prosecuting.