Philly Man Caught In Major Gun Trafficking Bust: Authorities

PHILADELPHIA — A 21-year-old Philadelphia man is facing numerous charges after authorities say he bought and trafficked three dozen guns in eight counties in less than three months.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele today said Daniel Lucas, 21, of Philadelphia, was arrested on multiple felony charges related to the purchasing and trafficking of 36 firearms in eight counties in less than three months. Lucas also attempted to purchase three additional firearms but was denied, authorities said.

Lucas was charged with multiple felony counts of corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, unlawful transfer of a firearm, criminal use of communications facilities, materially false Statements and multiple related offenses.

An investigation into Lucas started on Sept. 8 when Montgomery County detectives were reviewing paperwork, as is their routine, related to multiple gun purchases by individuals.

They noted that Lucas was purchasing an alarming number of firearms in a short period of time, including multiple guns of the exact same type, both of which are indicative of “straw purchases” of firearms, which is when a person with a clean background purchases firearms specifically on behalf of another person to conceal the true ownership of the firearm.

The investigation found that from July 7 to Sept. 28, 2020, Lucas purchased 36 firearms from gun shops in eight counties.

Lucas bought 13 guns in Lancaster County, nine in Bucks, five in Chester, four in Montgomery, two in Delaware, and one each in Berks, Schuylkill and Philadelphia. Authorities also said Lucas tried to buy three additional firearms, one each in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties.

Additionally, the investigation found that on more than one occasion, the defendant visited more than one gun store in a day; bought multiple firearms at the same time, including multiple purchases of the same make and model of gun; and traveled great distances to procure firearms.

An analysis of Lucas’ trips to purchase firearms found that the total estimated travel distance he covered to purchase these 36 firearms and attempt to purchase three others was a staggering 1,724 miles, with the longest trips each being nearly 200 miles round trip.

Of the 36 firearms purchased by Lucas, one firearm has been recovered. On Oct. 19, 2020, a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun was seized by Philadelphia police officers during a traffic incident that involved two males under the age to purchase or own a gun. Lucas had not reported that firearm, which he purchased on Aug. 2, or any of the 36 firearms he purchased as lost or stolen.

At the time of his arrest, Lucas was not in possession of any firearms.

Lucas was unable to post his $1 million cash bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Nov. 23.