Gun, Drug Ring Taken Down By Bucks Co. Authorities: DA

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force and Bristol Township Police Department took down a gun and drug ring that had been operating in the Lower Bucks County and Northern Philadelphia areas.

According to the two authorities, the ring, known as the Pentz Drug and Gun Distribution Organization, had been dealing in the sales of methamphetamine and various types of firearms, including "ghost guns", a gun that has been made untraceable to authorities by removal of their serial numbers.

Nicholas Michael Pentz, 29, of Bristol Township, and Brandon Monachelli, 24, Bensalem, were arrested for the following crimes:

• Corrupt organizations
• Prohibited possession of a firearm
• Alter/obliterate mark of identification
• Possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer number
• Criminal use of a communication facility
• Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
• Firearms not to be carried without a license
• Crime committed with a firearm
• Criminal conspiracy.

Local law agencies utilized confidential informants to purchase drugs and weapons from the ring. Bucks County Detectives served three warrants on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to the arrests of the two men, both convicted felons, and the recovery of suspected drugs, money, and several firearms.

Detectives found suspected methamphetamine and drug sale paraphernalia when they entered Pentz's Macintosh Road home on Tuesday. They also found two firearms, a semi-automatic assault-style rifle with a suppressor and a 9mm with a custom trigger, suppressor, and a switch converting it into a fully automatic firearm.

Monachelli was taken into custody on Wednesday, following a search of his residence in Bensalem, where police recovered two firearms, gun parts, ammunition, and methamphetamine paraphernalia.

A district judge set Pentz's bail at 10% of $75,000. Authorities believe more arrests are to come.

“I can’t think of a deadlier combination than criminals motivated by illegal guns, meth and money,” District Attorney Matt Weintraub said. “Thanks to the incredible work of our Drug Strike Force, and its law enforcement partners, we’ve taken some of each off our streets with this bust and seizure. Bucks County is much safer for it. These kinds of investigations, arrests and seizures will continue to be a priority for us.”