Drug Sale Proceeds Laundered Through Gym, Daycare: Delco Authorities

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A months-long narcotics operation in Delaware County revealed proceeds from illegal drug sales were laundered through a gym and day care, according to authorities.

Charges were filed earlier this week against four men, two from Delaware County and two from Philadelphia.

Kevin C. Williams, 36, of East Lansdowne; Joseph Ravlin Clements, 31, of Lansdowne; Marquice Lee Justice, 36, of Philadelphia; and Ernest Baxter, 36, of Philadelphia, have been charged with drug crimes, crimes related to corrupt organizations, and criminal use of communication facilities, court records show.

All are jailed on $500,000 save for Baxter who is being held on $1 million bail.

A fifth person, Devon Starks was also arrested as part of the operation, but charges for him were not listed in the digital Pennsylvania court system, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office said.

Marple and Upper Darby police teamed up for "Operation Mouse Trap," which led to the arrests after it launched in May.

The investigation revealed the accused invested money into a gym and day care to launder cash earned from sales of cocaine, crack, crystal meth and fentanyl.

Authorities seized 712.7 grams of cocaine, 142.6 grams of crack, 238.6 grams of fentanyl, 165.7 grams of methamphetamine, and 12.6 grams of marijuana as part of the operation. They also took $23,205 in cash and five vehicles, including a 2017 Audi and a 2013 BMW.

These seizures were the result of authorities searching properties in Lansdowne, Prospect Park Morton, and Philadelphia.

Charging documents allege Starks largely ran the illicit drug ring with the help of Williams, Clements, and Justice, and that Baxter supplied Starks with the drugs.

Court records show the four are scheduled for Dec. 6 preliminary hearings.

Patch has reached out to Marple Police for more information, and will update the story when additional details are made available.