KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a conspiracy to illegally traffic firearms and for illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.
Ernest L. Hall, 61, and Rodney O. Ellison, 57, were charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.
The indictment replaces federal criminal complaints that charged Hall and Ellison separately on Nov. 27, 2024. Both Hall and Ellison remain in federal custody without bond.
The indictment alleges that Hall and Ellison participated in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from June 15 to Nov. 26, 2024. The indictment also charges Hall and Ellison together with one count of engaging in firearm sales without a license, and charges Hall and Ellison separately with five counts each of trafficking firearms. Hall and Ellison each also are charged with being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives purchased firearms from both Ellison and Hall on several occasions at their residences. Between June 18, 2024, and Nov. 25, 2024, the confidential informant allegedly purchased six firearms from Ellison and five firearms from Hall.
On Nov. 26, 2024, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at the residences of both Hall and Ellison. Ellison was arrested at his residence but Hall left his residence carrying a large bag and drove away as officers were approaching. When law enforcement began to follow him, Hall turned off his headlights and drove into oncoming traffic to elude them. Investigators then executed the search warrant for Hall’s residence and seized one firearm. Officers seized seven firearms from Ellison’s residence, including two firearms with obliterated or missing serial numbers.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Hall has three prior felony convictions for armed criminal action, two prior felony convictions for robbery, and prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, voluntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. Ellison has prior felony convictions for murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with service utility.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.