February 22, 2023 - NORRISTOWN, PA
Acting Attorney General Michelle Henry, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub, together with local, state and federal law enforcement officials today announced the dismantling of a Pennsylvania gun trafficking organization. The organization, headed by Larry Williams, purchased 94 firearms and attempted to purchase an additional 23 firearms in counties across Pennsylvania, before illegally reselling them throughout the Southeastern region of the state. The eight defendants, all from Philadelphia, were arrested on dozens of felony charges related to straw purchases of firearms, illegally transferring firearms, and operating a corrupt organization. Arrested were Larry Williams, 40, who was responsible for directing the purchases of the firearms, selling the majority of the illegal firearms and was also involved in trafficking illegal drugs; Robert Cooper III, 23, purchased 41 firearms and attempted to purchase an additional eight firearms in less than two months; Ziair Stenson, 26; purchased 36 firearms and attempted to purchase an additional seven firearms; Malik Rowell-Jernigan, 24, purchased eight firearms and attempted to purchase an additional three firearms; Kevin Lester Logan, 24, purchased three firearms; Daynell Jones, 40, purchased three firearms; Zakayla S. Deshields, 22, purchased three firearms; and Shadiid Smalley, 23, attempted to purchase five firearms.List of Speakers:Pennsylvania Acting Attorney General Michelle A. HenryMontgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. SteeleBucks County District Attorney Matthew D. WeintraubATF Philadelphia Field Division SAC Eric DeGreePSP Captains Michaelann Andrusiak and Gerard B. McSheaAbington Township Police Chief Patrick MolloyMontgomery County Detective Bureau Chief Mark Bernstiel
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