Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged Brian K. Fleming, a 44-year-old DeKalb County resident, with forgery and unlawful violation of the Concealed Carry Act. The charges stem from Fleming's alleged falsification of training certificates needed for a concealed carry license. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and 364 days in county jail, as per a statement from the Attorney General's office.
Fleming, a concealed carry license instructor, is accused of giving out certifications for a legally-required 16-hour training course to applicants who did not complete the requisite hours. This course is a key part of the process to ensure gun safety and responsible ownership.
The charges' timing is presently raising questions about concealed carry training regulations' effectiveness. During the investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP), it was revealed that Fleming might have subverted the necessary training requirements.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said, "Concealed Carry License training requirements are explicit, not discretionary, and are there for a reason. ISP will not tolerate anyone trying to skirt training requirements and will rigorously investigate any allegations of impropriety," per the Attorney General's office.
