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Illegal Firearms Possession and Threats in Missouri
A Republic, Mo. man has been charged with illegally possessing firearms and making threats against law enforcement after a federal grand jury indicted him on June 18, 2025.
Franklin E. Brownlee, 40, was arrested and made his initial court appearance after the indictment was unsealed. The charges include attempted destruction of an aircraft, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms, and transmitting a threat to injure law enforcement across state lines.
The indictment specifically alleges that on March 27, 2025, Brownlee attempted to destroy an unmanned aerial system operated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, and illegally possessed a Glock pistol and a Remington shotgun knowing that he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Brownlee also allegedly knowingly and willfully transmitted a threat to injure law enforcement in interstate and foreign commerce.
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 Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative, is part of this case. The operation aims to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Brownlee is currently facing the following charges:
- Attempted destruction of an aircraft
- Being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms
- Transmitting a threat to injure law enforcement across state lines
He is scheduled to appear in court for further proceedings. The outcome of this case is pending.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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