KC Reporter

Two Kansas City men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their involvement in a conspiracy to illegally traffic firearms and for unlawful possession of firearms. Ernest L. Hall, 61, and Rodney O. Ellison, 57, were charged in a 12-count indictment that replaces previous federal criminal complaints filed separately against them on November 27, 2024.

The indictment alleges that Hall and Ellison engaged in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from June 15 to November 26, 2024. They are jointly charged with one count of engaging in firearm sales without a license and face five counts each of trafficking firearms individually. Both men are also charged with being felons in possession of firearms.

According to an affidavit supporting the original criminal complaint, a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) purchased multiple firearms from both men at their residences between June 18 and November 25, 2024. The informant allegedly bought six firearms from Ellison and five from Hall.

On November 26, law enforcement executed search warrants at the homes of Hall and Ellison. While Ellison was arrested at his residence, Hall attempted to evade officers by leaving his home with a large bag and driving away as they approached. He turned off his headlights and drove into oncoming traffic during the pursuit. Officers later searched Hall's residence and seized one firearm; seven firearms were seized from Ellison’s home, including two with obliterated or missing serial numbers.

Federal law prohibits individuals convicted of felonies from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Hall has prior felony convictions for armed criminal action, robbery, tampering with a motor vehicle, voluntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. Ellison's record includes felony convictions for murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with service utility.

The charges outlined in this indictment are accusations requiring evidence presentation before a federal trial jury tasked with determining guilt or innocence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Michael Green is prosecuting this case following an investigation by the ATF.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities.