A large scale methamphetamine trafficking operation described by prosecutors as a “family affair” was recently busted by authorities in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
The joint effort between the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency and various local police departments netted nearly three dozen arrests, according to a press release put out Tuesday by the Montco D.A. Risa Vetri Ferman.
The alleged drug ring was foiled thanks to the use of three weeks of wiretaps and electronic surveillance on the cell phones of suspects Frank Messina of Hatfield and Troy Dudas of Schwenksville, according to the D.A.
After the surveillance, 14 search warrants were executed on various locations including Cosmo Motors auto-body shop on E Blaine Street in Lansdale. At Cosmos, authorities say they uncovered meth, drug paraphernalia and firearms.
Here is how the D.A. described what else was uncovered during the investigation:
Detectives discovered the structure of the organization consisting of meth distributers, users, and pushers. This methamphetamine trafficking organization was exposed as a “family affair.” Among the main targets are brothers Jeffrey and David Penna who used and distributed methamphetamine from Jeffrey Penna’s residence in Hatfield Township. The Penna brothers were joined by Frank Messina in this distribution network. Messina used and distributed methamphetamine to several people including his own sister-in-law Lisa Messina. Conversations between Frank and Lisa Messina were intercepted by law enforcement detailing their method of operation in the distribution and use of this powerful drug. This investigation also revealed links to a Philadelphia methamphetamine distribution ring headed by brothers Juan and Antonio Encarnacion. These networks continued to operate until they were shut down by Montgomery County law enforcement.
In total 32 people were arrested. All the suspects were arraigned from May 2 to 4 in Montgomeryville.
- Photos of some of the arrested are available on the D.A.’s website
Here is a full list of everyone arrested and charged with corrupt organizations and violations of the drug act:
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1. Francesco “Frank” Messina, 719 Schwab Road, Hatfield
2. Troy Dudas, 111 Mine Run Road, Schwenksville
3. Todd Slawecki, 42 Orchard Court, Royersford
4. Robert Glorioso, 1295 Cabin Road, Hatfield Township
5. Jeff Penna, 1295 Cabin Road, Hatfield Township
6. Dave Penna, 1898 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale
7. Jeff Martinez, 3822 North 6th Street, Philadelphia
8. James Trull, 1447 Old Skippack Road, Harleysville
9. Antonio Encarnacion Perales, 1002 N. Marshall Street, Philadelphia
10. Vanessa Ramos, 1002 N. Marshall Street, Philadelphia
11. Juan M. Encarnacion, 3921 N. 6th Street Philadelphia
12. Kent Lee Seprauskie “Gadget”, 55 Meng Road, Schwenksville
13. Timothy Beck, 55 Meng Road Schwenksville
14. Kristina Popelarski, 385 Greenwood Avenue, Collegeville
15. Joel Jay Payumo, a.k.a. Marissa Devine, 251 E. Thompson St., Philadelphia
16. Joseph “Phoenix” Croxton, 1734 Tasker Street, Philadelphia
17. Dan Ells, 225 East 2nd Street Apartment B, Lansdale
18. Rodney Creciun, 108 Stump Road, North Wales
19. John Griffith, 1626 Sheffield Drive, Blue Bell
These people were charged with violating the drug act:
20. Ronald Krauss, 10 South Towamencin Avenue, Lansdale
21. Jamie L. Hamburg, 27 Lincoln Avenue Floor 2, Lansdale
22. Anthony Lagrotte, 149 North 3rd Street, Telford
23. Carmen Iannelli, 2382 Orchard Lane, Gilbertsville
24. John J. Welsh III, 1150 Schwab Road, Hatfield
25. Lisa Messina, 2564 Morris Road, Lansdale
26. Donald L Preston, 72 Roboda Boulevard, Royersford
27. Kevin Saldutti, 1415 East Hewson Street
28. Ryan Burns, 804 Marlbrook Lane, Lansdale
29. Norman R. Russell Jr., 3275 Bergey Road, Hatfield
30. Thomas McGoldrick, 1 Boro Line Road, King of Prussia
31. Keith Chasteen, 251 E. Thompson Street, Philadelphia
32. Judy Cress, 913 Township Line Road, Phoenixville