Tredyffrin Barber Indicted In Cocaine Bust

The Montgomery County DA charged 27 individuals—including a Tredyffrin barber—Tuesday with drug-related offenses involving cocaine trafficking.

According to a news release from District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, Anthony Dennis, 39, was charged in connection with running a drug front out of barbershop Heads Up in Tredyffrin. 

Township police began investigating Dennis in 2008 at his business at 932 Upper Gulph Road in Wayne. The investigation, code named "Operation Heads Up," expanded to include Chester County, Montgomery County, state and federal agencies.

In the criminal indictment, officials alledge Anthony Dennis, with his brother Michael Dennis distributed large quantities of cocaine to drug dealers throughout the Main Line. 

Referred to as the Dennis Drug Trafficking Organization, the group, operating in part from Tredyffrin, reportedly supplied cocaine to James "Twin" Adams in Norristown. Following Super Court approval of wire taps on the Dennis brothers and Adams' phones, officials monitored the trio's phones from April 13, 2011, to May 18, 2011.

Utilizing information learned from the wiretaps, officials arrested Anthony Dennis outside the Target on City Avenue in Philadelphia after he police say he purchased 9 ounces of cocaine from Samuel Marshall, his reported drug source. Officials seized $9,200 in cash, the cocaine, Dennis' vehicle and their cellphones.

Also on May 18, 72 officials in 21 locations throughout Montgomery, Chester and Philadelphia Counties raided suspect places. The Heads Up barber shop in Wayne was among the places targeted in the raids. In the sweep, officials seized:

• Approximately 4 pounds of cocaine valued at $204,800;
• 6.5 pounds of cutting agents; 
• 10 digital scales; 
• 14 vehicles; 
• A 19-foot Pro Line fishing Boat from a storage facility in Collegeville;
• $76,308 cash; 
• 12 firearms; and
• Ballistic vests. 

Arrested May 18 with five others—including his brother—Anthony Dennis was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Maruszczak. Bail was set at $2 million. He is behind bars at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Lower Providence.

Officials arrested and charged 21 others Tuesday in connection with the drug ring.

A resident of Montgomery Township, Anthony Dennis was charged with corrupt organization; intent to deliver and delivery of cocaine; criminal conspiracy; criminal use of telecommunications facilities; dealing in the proceeds of criminal activities; and drug paraphernalia.

Two other township residents were also arrested. 

Richard Knight, 39, lives in Devon, and was charged with corrupt organization; intent to deliver and delivery of cocaine; criminal conspiracy; and criminal use of telecommunications facilities.

Gary Carter, 31, had a listed address at Heads Up barbershop. He was charged with corrupt organization; intent to deliver and delivery of cocaine; criminal conspiracy; criminal use of telecommunications facilities; possession of an instrument of a crime; and drug paraphernalia.

Officials from the following agencies were involved in the investigation and subsequent arrests: Pennsylvania Attorney General, Chester County District Attorney, Philadelphia District Attorney, Montgomery County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, West Norriton Police, Upper Merion Police, Upper Providence, Upper Dublin Police, Whitpain Police, Plymouth Police, Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Souderton Police, Norristown Police, Pottstown Police, Montgomery Township Police, and Lower Providence Police.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the address of the barbershop, which has since been changed.