Trafficking

the alleged network.

The network was uncovered as county and Norristown detectives investigated firearms violations in April 2020, using various investigative techniques including reviewing social media posts. Some of those social media posts depicted some of the defendants brandishing firearms “to notify others of their access to firearms and their propensity to commit violence,” detectives wrote in court papers.

“The investigation culminated with numerous search and seizure warrants where police uncovered a criminal organization responsible for the illegal purchase and transfer of multiple handguns in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,” detectives alleged in a criminal complaint.

“Law enforcement uncovered a corrupt organization whose purpose was to purchase firearms illegally and transfer the firearms into the hands of individuals unable to purchase/possess themselves,” detectives added.

Detectives alleged members of the organization relied on so-called “straw purchase” schemes to carry out their activities.

A straw purchase occurs when a person with a clean background purchases firearms on behalf of another person to conceal the true ownership of the firearm. Those who are unable to legally purchase firearms include convicted felons, domestic violence offenders, juveniles and mentally ill individuals.

Several alleged conspirators previously admitted to various offenses.

Tyreese Dilworth-Simon, 20, of the 1000 block of Forrest Avenue, previously pleaded guilty to charges of corrupt organizations, sales to ineligible transferee, conspiracy and firearms not to be carried without a license and is awaiting sentencing, according to court records.

Mark Fatir Odell Jones, 21, of the 100 block of West Airy Street, previously pleaded guilty to charges of firearms not to be carried without a license and person not to possess a firearm and as part of a plea agreement was sentenced to 11½ to 23 months in the county jail, to be followed by three years’ probation, according to court documents. Charges of corrupt organizations were dismissed against Jones as part of the plea agreement.

Jonathan Hernandez, 25, of the 1200 block of Pine Street, previously pleaded guilty to charges of corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, false written statements, criminal use of a communication facility and conspiracy in the illegal sale or transfer of firearms and is awaiting sentencing, court records indicate.

In court documents, detectives alleged members of the organization used Hernandez “as the eligible member” qualified to legally purchase two Glock 22 .40-caliber handguns which were then illegally transferred to the Castrejon brothers, who were underage at the time and not legally permitted to purchase firearms. Detectives alleged one of the Glock handguns “became accessible to all members of this organization.”

On April 24, 2020, Norristown police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Forest Avenue where Dilworth-Simon, Agudio and Jones were present, according to the criminal complaint.

A Glock 22 handgun loaded with 17 .40-caliber rounds was located in Dilworth-Simon’s bedroom, according to the arrest affidavit. The weapon had a 29-round extended magazine, detectives said. That firearm, detectives alleged, “was illegally purchased by Jonathan Hernandez for this organization.”

With the charges, detectives alleged that social media analysis, interviews and cellphone analysis revealed Dilworth-Simon, Jones and Agudio conspired to possess the illegally purchased firearm without valid licenses.