Drug Trafficker Convicted at Trial for Distributing Crack Cocaine in North Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Juan Jarmon, 32 of Philadelphia, was convicted today of one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”); one count of unlawful use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug felony; five counts of distribution of cocaine base (“crack”); one count of aiding and abetting distribution of cocaine base (“crack”); five counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); and 10 counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) within 1,000 feet of public housing.  

The defendant was a leader of the Jarmon/Edwards drug-trafficking group (DTG) that sold crack cocaine in and around the Norman Blumberg Apartment Complex (Blumberg) in North Philadelphia from at least late 2012 through late 2014.  Blumberg was a public housing facility that contained two children’s playgrounds.  DTG members sold crack cocaine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in and around the Blumberg high-rise buildings, which included the Hemberger Building and the Judson Building. The DTG employed a large network of supervisors, sellers, lookouts, suppliers, and those that permitted DTG members to use their apartments as stash locations and hideouts. During the course of the conspiracy, the group supplied over $1,000,000 of crack cocaine to this neighborhood.

From late 2012 until early-to-mid 2014, the defendant controlled drug sales in the Hemberger Building. Among other duties, the defendant purchased bulk crack and cocaine; cooked and packaged crack cocaine into bundles; sold crack cocaine to other drug traffickers and drug users; hired, fired, and supervised shift sellers and lookouts; secured apartment space and stash locations for their members; supplied bundles of crack cocaine to shift sellers; collected drug proceeds from shift sellers; levied taxes on members and customers; and provided protection to other drug trafficking groups. The defendant preyed on the financial weakness and vulnerability of others (including drug addicts, juveniles, the mentally ill, and those living in poverty) in order to further the interests of the DTG.

 “Jarmon made money hand over fist selling crack for years, controlling his crew and capitalizing on other people’s addiction.  Today’s verdict ensures that our streets are safer because Jarmon will remain where he belongs – behind bars – for years to come,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.  “I commend the hardworking prosecutors from my office and our law enforcement partners for putting this case together and holding this defendant accountable for the destruction he caused.”

“Juan Jarmon and his crew kept a tight, violent grip on the Blumberg Apartments complex and surrounding areas,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division.  “Selling crack day and night, they made a nice profit, at the cost of the neighborhood’s quality of life.  The FBI and our partners will continue to work to make this city safer by putting drug traffickers out of business and behind bars.”

“Juan Jarmon was convicted of leading a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing crack cocaine in and around the former Norman Blumberg Apartment complex, which was one of the largest public housing projects in Philadelphia,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “Jarmon and his associates sold the crack cocaine to street-level users, profiting from their addictions, and damaging the health and safety of the residents of the housing project.  This case was a joint effort of the DEA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Philadelphia Police Department.”

“The investigation, arrest, and successful prosecution of Juan Jarmon serve as an example of the effectiveness of strong and consistent collaboration between law enforcement agencies,” said Richard J. Ross, Jr., Philadelphia Police Commissioner.  “We anticipate that this conviction will further disrupt narcotics trafficking and attendant criminal activity in and around the Norman Blumberg apartment complex, as well as the surrounding North Philadelphia neighborhood, and have an appreciable impact on the quality of life of our residents.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Maiatico and Yvonne Osirim.