Delco Drug Dealer Sold Crack Cocaine On Playgrounds: DOJ

SHARON HILL, PA — A Delaware County man was convicted this week of selling crack cocaine on playgrounds in Philadelphia, the U.S. Attorney General's Office announced.

Robert Mack, 53, also known as "Tweet," of Sharon Hill, was found guilty of distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and several related counts.

"Playgrounds are meant for our children," U.S. Attorney William McSwain said in a statement announcing the charges. "Not for dangerous drug traffickers armed with guns."

Mack was part of a large-scale drug trafficking organization that operated in the Mill Creek neighborhood of West Philadelphia, officials said. The dealers operated in an area known as "the Grounds," a playground and basketball court at the intersection of 52nd Street and Westminster Avenue.

A second large-scale operation worked just a few blocks away — separated by a baseball field — selling drugs at "the Pit," located near 51st Street and Reno Street, according to authorities.

Mack gave the leader of "the Grounds" cocaine and crack cocaine, which was then packaged for distribution, authorities said.

He was convicted on Oct. 15 on the above charges, as well as counts on felon in possession of a firearm, distribution of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a protected location, and conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.

Chief United States District Judge Juan Sanchez presided over the trial while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and Seth Schlessinger prosecuted the case. Sentencing is forthcoming.

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