Thirteen face charges for drug-related offenses
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
“Operation Phoenix,” an investigation targeting street-level drug-dealers around the Phoenixville area, led to the recovery of illegal drugs, paraphernalia, cash, and firearms, said Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan.
“Operation Phoenix” landed to target street-level drug-dealers in and around Phoenixville, resulting in 13 arrests, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said Thursday.
A cooperative effort by northern Chester County law enforcement, the operation led to the recovery of firearms, cash, illegal drugs ranging from heroin to LSD to crack cocaine, and evidence of a variety of drug-related offenses, Hogan said.
“Street-level drug dealers are like weeds,” said Hogan. “You have to be constantly vigilant about pulling them out or they can take over your whole garden.”
Hogan said the successful investigation, which was initiated by Phoenixville police, would ultimately help reduce thefts, robberies, and homicides.
“The Phoenixville Police Department collaborated with the District Attorney’s Drug Unit and multiple law enforcement partners to take these criminals off the streets,” said Phoenixville Police Chief William Mossman. “Phoenixville Borough and the surrounding area continue to be a great place to live and work because of these proactive policing strategies.”
Hogan said the following 11 defendants face drug-related charges: John Lasorda, 21, John Foulds, 22, Karl Mienzenger, 29, Kiya Logan, 40, James Robinson, 22, and Kyle Johnson, 26, all of Phoenixville; Katrina Perez, 19, of Spring City; Mathew Moyer, 32, of Paoli; Rachel Nelson, 19, of Pottstown; Kalin Thomas, 20, of Spring City; and Daniel Fell, 22, of Royersford. Two of the 13 who were arrested are not being identified for investigative reasons, Hogan said.
Hogan said Sgt. Glenn Eckman of the Phoenixville Police Department’s Narcotics Bureau coordinated and supervised the operation. The Phoenixville Police Department was assisted by the East Pikeland Police Department, Spring City Police Department, the Chester County Detectives, and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office Drug Unit.
As always, citizens with tips on drug-dealing are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency, Hogan said.
