A former explosive ordinance disposal technician for the U.S. Army was charged in federal court Friday with unlawful possession of hand grenades.
Acting U.S. Attorney for Kansas Tom Beall says John A. Panchalk was charged with one count of possessing two M-67 fragmentation grenades.
The 42-year-old Overland Park man was charged because the devices 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. 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.