Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Norristown Acting Police Chief James Angelucci today announced criminal charges against 35 defendants following a months-long investigation that dismantled three large-scale drug trafficking groups operating out of Norristown.
According to DA Steele, the groups had been flooding Montgomery County and surrounding areas with cocaine and crack cocaine. To date, 28 defendants have been arrested.
The investigation, named “Operation Cocaine Goldmine,” began in late 2024 and culminated in June in response to a decline in the usage of opioids and fentanyl and a resurgence of cocaine and crack cocaine.
Defendant Jerome Berry described Norristown in a recorded conversation as “a f—ing goldmine … A f—ing crack and coke mine.”
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, county and state law enforcement conducted multiple investigations targeting powder and crack cocaine distribution networks in Norristown. These investigations led to the identification of intertwined networks of individuals who are most responsible for the trafficking of bulk quantities of cocaine into Montgomery County.
Through the investigation, law enforcement seized seven pounds (three kilos) of cocaine and crack cocaine, more than $138,000 and 17 firearms, as well as other evidence of drug trafficking activities.
“The arrests of these cocaine and crack drug traffickers, sub-dealers and street-level dealers will make a positive impact on the lives of law-abiding citizens in Norristown,” said DA Steele. “This takedown, coupled with our recent arrests of several warring factions of teenagers and young adults that were shooting at each other and in one case, killed a rival, is a concerted effort to rid Norristown of this criminal element that will not be tolerated in our county seat. I want to thank our state and federal partners for their ongoing assistance, especially the Attorney General’s Office.”
“This comprehensive investigation shows that drug traffickers adapt as their profits dictate, but without consideration for the devastation their products cause,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. “I applaud our partners in Montgomery County for collaborating to build cases against dozens of defendants. These arrests will remove poisons from our neighborhoods while potentially preventing acts of violence that are commonplace with the drug trade.”
Among those arrested are the leaders of these three drug trafficking organizations:
• Terrell Bailey, 50, Norristown
• Jerome Berry, 32, Norristown
• Malik Noel, 49, Philadelphia
• Oscar Gordon, 37, Norristown
• Donta Wells, 40, Norristown
Arrest warrants have been issued for seven additional defendants: Denise Baird, Darnell Cotton, Tyya Griffin, Tyleek Lee, Michael Taylor, Curtis Thomas and Cori Wagner.
The charges for each defendant vary but include Corrupt Organizations, Conspiracy, Possession With Intent to Deliver, Criminal Use of a Communications Facility and other charges. The defendants’ preliminary hearings are set for varying dates and times.
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Photos: DA