Get our newsletters

Ring that sold ghost guns taken down

Posted

The Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force and Bristol Township Police Department took down a gun and drug ring they say supplied methamphetamine and firearms, including untraceable “ghost guns” and fully automatic weapons, in the Lower Bucks County and Northern Philadelphia areas.

Following a yearlong investigation into the Pentz Drug and Gun Distribution Organization that included the purchase of guns and methamphetamine through confidential informants, Bucks County Detectives served three warrants on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 7 and 8, leading to the arrests of two men, both convicted felons, and the recovery of suspected drugs, money and several firearms.

A criminal complaint filed June 8, alleges the Pentz Drug and Gun Distribution Organization has been in operation in Bucks County since 2021 as a source supplier of methamphetamine, assault style rifles, handguns, and other firearms. The organization offered direct access to multiple types of firearms to include fully automatic firearms as well as parts to modify weapons to make them more dangerous.

“I can’t think of a deadlier combination than criminals motivated by illegal guns, meth and money,” District Attorney Matt Weintraub said.

Police charged Nicholas Michael Pentz, 29, of Macintosh Road, Bristol Township and Brandon Monachelli, 24, of Militia Court, Bensalem, with the following crimes: corrupt organizations prohibited possession of a firearm, alter/obliterate mark of identification, possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer number, criminal use of a communication facility, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, firearms not to be carried without a license, crime committed with a firearm, and criminal conspiracy.

Monachelli was arraigned last week by District Judge Terrence Hughes and was committed to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $5 million bail, 10 percent. Pentz will be arraigned on those charges at a later time.

During a search of Pentz’s house, detectives recovered suspected methamphetamine and drug sale paraphernalia as well as two firearms – a semi-automatic, assault-style rifle with a suppressor and a 9mm with a custom trigger, suppressor, and a switch converting it into a fully automatic firearm. Police described both weapons as ghost guns, untraceable firearms without serial numbers.

Investigators also recovered ammunition, partial guns and parts, and $10,500 in cash from Pentz’ home. Pentz was also charged with prohibited possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia following the execution of the warrant. On that case, a district judge set bail at $75,000, 10 percent.

Monachelli was taken into custody last week, following a search of his residence in Bensalem. There, police recovered two firearms, along with gun parts, ammunition and methamphetamine paraphernalia. Police believe the investigation may result in further arrests.


Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.


X