Delaware County Man Convicted at Trial of Multiple Drug Trafficking and Firearm Counts, Including Distributing Drugs in Playgrounds

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Robert Mack, a/k/a “Tweet,” 53, of Sharon Hill, PA, was found guilty today by a jury of the following crimes: conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (one count); distribution of cocaine (one count); distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a protected location (one count); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (one count); and felon in possession of a firearm (one count).  Chief United States District Judge Juan Sanchez presided over the jury trial.

This conviction stems from the indictment and prosecution of two large-scale drug trafficking organizations operating to sell crack cocaine in and around two playgrounds located in the Mill Creek neighborhood of West Philadelphia.  The defendant and others distributed crack cocaine in and around an area known as “the Grounds” – a playground/basketball court located near the intersection of 52nd and Westminster Avenue.  The second organization sold crack in a playground, commonly referred to as “the Pit,” located near the intersection of 51st Street and Reno Street.  These two areas are within close proximity to each other (merely a few blocks away) and are separated by a baseball field on Westminster Avenue, the lower boundary of “the Grounds.”

The defendant supplied the leader of “the Grounds” with cocaine and crack cocaine, which was then packaged for distribution. The defendant possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. Additionally, he had previously been convicted of a felony and therefore was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

“Playgrounds are meant for our children, not for dangerous drug traffickers armed with guns,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.  “For years, the defendant and this violent drug trafficking organization endangered everyone in their neighborhood on a daily basis. Thanks to our dedicated partners at ATF, the Philadelphia Police Department, and our Office’s trial team, the defendant will now pay for his crimes and will no longer be allowed to menace his neighborhood.”  

“The ATF is committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to target violent drug trafficking organizations that are responsible for drug trafficking and related gun violence in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson. “This conviction is a perfect example of the collaborative effort between the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department to target violent offenders.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and Seth Schlessinger.