Reading Man Epps Caught Trafficking Cocaine, Guns

WILMINGTON, Del. – Philip Epps, 36, of Reading, Pennsylvania, is facing a potential life sentence after a federal jury found him guilty of trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing firearms. The verdict, delivered on May 22, 2024, was followed by a bench trial on June 26, 2024, where Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly convicted Epps of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and using a firearm to further his drug trafficking operation.

The takedown went down February 28, 2023, when Epps rolled into a Wilmington motel to resupply a subordinate. New Castle County Police weren’t impressed with his delivery service. A search of Epps’ vehicle revealed a disturbing cache: two loaded handguns with the serial numbers deliberately scratched off, over 225 grams of cocaine, and additional drugs laced with the dangerous combination of fentanyl and xylazine. Cops also found over $15,000 in cash.

The investigation didn’t stop at the traffic stop. Authorities uncovered evidence that Epps was sourcing xylazine – a potent and increasingly dangerous cutting agent – directly from China via WhatsApp. This isn’t some small-time operation; Epps was actively building a supply chain to flood the streets with poison. The obliterated serial numbers on the guns weren’t a mistake, they were an attempt to hide the weapons’ history and evade tracing.

“Illegally possessing a firearm while trafficking in illegal drugs fuels the violence in our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss. “Mr. Epps’ continued unwillingness to abide by the rule of law was disrupted thanks to law enforcement.” Weiss specifically commended the New Castle County Police Department and federal partners for holding Epps – a repeat offender – accountable for his actions.

Epps is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2024. A federal district judge will determine the final punishment, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors. Given the charges and the amount of drugs and weaponry involved, a lengthy prison term is all but guaranteed.

The case was a collaborative effort, investigated by the New Castle County Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill led the prosecution. Further details can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware website and through PACER (Case Nos. 23-30).