Man Sentenced to 8½ to 20 Years in Drug Bust Involving Deceased Victim

By Trend News Line 2024-05-31 19:38:13.

**Philadelphia Man Sentenced in High-Level Narcotics Operation**

A Philadelphia man, Christopher P. Newby, has been sentenced to 8½ to 20 years in a state prison after pleading guilty to his role in a high-level narcotics operation broken up by Marple Township police in 2022. The court also ordered Newby to forfeit nearly $400,000 as part of his sentence.

**Arrest and Charges**

Newby, 34, of the 100 block of Parker Avenue, entered negotiated guilty pleas before Common Pleas Court Judge John Capuzzi to charges including dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities, possession of a firearm prohibited, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, corrupt organizations, and conspiracy.

He was arrested in June 2022 along with Asim S. “Black” Robinson, 28, of the 7300 block of Bunting Place, and Craig T. “Juice” Russell, 31, of the 7600 block of Langdon Street, following an 18-month investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Delaware County Drug Task Force.

**Co-Defendants and Charges**

Russell has already pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm prohibited and possession with intent to deliver, receiving a sentence of 20 years of probation. Robinson, represented by defense counsel David Nenner, has successfully petitioned to have his case severed from Newby’s and is awaiting a new court date.

Robinson faces charges including corrupt organizations, dealing in the proceeds of illegal activities, possession with intent to distribute, criminal use of a communication facility, firearms offenses, drug delivery resulting in death, and involuntary manslaughter for the overdose of another alleged conspirator, Michael Dougherty.

**Lengthy Investigation**

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer revealed that over 10,475 bags of fentanyl and 11 illegal firearms were confiscated during the investigation. The probe began in August 2021 when Russell was identified as selling narcotics to an undercover officer in the greater Philadelphia region.

Investigators learned that Dougherty was being supplied by Russell and the other suspects to distribute controlled substances in the area. Dougherty made drug sales to an undercover officer, leading to the arrests of Newby and Russell in June 2022.

**Additional Charges and Seizures**

Robinson was implicated in the operation in November and December 2022. Springfield police found baggies with the name “Get Lucky” near Dougherty’s body in October, linking the suspects together. State police raided a stash house in Philadelphia, recovering additional drugs, weapons, and cash.

Robinson was apprehended during a raid on a Bala Cynwyd apartment, leading to the recovery of more drugs and cash. Examination of Dougherty’s devices indicated contact with the surviving suspects, tying them together in the criminal enterprise.

**Sentence and Rehabilitation**

Newby’s negotiated guilty plea required him to forfeit seized assets, including cash, firearms, and luxury goods. He must provide a DNA sample and undergo a one-year reentry program upon release. Defense attorney Joseph L. Coleman emphasized Newby’s desire to become a better man and father to his children.

Judge Capuzzi accepted the plea based on Newby’s acceptance of responsibility, urging him to participate in prison programs for parole consideration. Coleman requested that Newby be sent to a facility that offers drug treatment, considering his client’s struggles with substance abuse.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Christopher P. Newby highlights the consequences of involvement in narcotics operations and the efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the region. The case serves as a reminder of the impact of drug-related crimes on individuals, families, and communities..

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