Damon Edwards, Violent Drug Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2023
A devastating blow to the streets of North Philadelphia has been dealt with the sentencing of Damon Edwards, a 33-year-old leader of a violent drug trafficking group.
Edwards, a Philadelphia resident, was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Honorable Judge Paul S. Diamond on Wednesday, for his role in the violent drug trafficking organization that operated out of the Norman Blumberg Apartment Complex.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the group, which Edwards led, sold crack cocaine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in and around the Norman Blumberg Apartment Complex. They used and carried firearms, robbed rival drug dealers, and used intimidation, threats, and violence to further their drug trade.
Edwards pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of public housing, a drug-free zone.
The group, which operated from 2012 to 2014, controlled drug sales in various areas of the public housing facility. They obtained bulk crack and cocaine, cooked and packaged crack cocaine into bundles, hired, fired, and supervised shift sellers and lookouts, levied taxes on members and customers, and provided protection from other drug trafficking groups.
U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain praised the investigation and prosecution of Edwards, stating, 'Philadelphia residents can rest assured that my Office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases like this to keep citizens safe and to dismantle the crack cocaine trade.'
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the United States Attorney's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Maiatico and Yvonne Osirim prosecuted the case.
In related news, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard J. Ross, Jr. praised the investigation, stating, 'The investigation, arrest, and successful prosecution of Damon Edwards are evidence of the merits of consistent inter-agency collaborations.'
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant/Respondent: Damon Edwards
- Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of public housing
- City and State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Exact Date: Not specified
- Sentence or Outcome: 18 years in prison
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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