CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

LONDON — A federal grand jury in London indicted two Floyd County men Thursday for dealing in firearms without a license.

Wayne Tackett, 64, of Harold, and Carlos Hall, 72, of Prestonsburg, face one count of conducting firearms business illegally.

In addition to the shared charge, Tackett faces six counts of transferring firearms to prohibited individuals. The indictment accuses him of selling approximately 20 guns, ranging from pistols to assault and multi-caliber rifles, to convicted felons over several instances between June 23, 2023 and Oct. 6, 2023.

Tackett and Hall are yet to receive a court date.

Engaging in unlicensed firearms dealing carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Transferring firearms to prohibited persons carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this case is being prosecuted under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a federal statute enacted in June 2022 specifically targeting illegal firearms trafficking and straw purchasing.

An indictment is only an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.