Philly Man Accused Of Selling 4 Guns To Teen In Exchange For Drugs
Posted:
Updated:
DA Seth Williams speaks to reporters Thursday about straw purchases.
PHILADELPHIA -
A 32-year-old Northeast Philadelphia man is accused of selling four guns to an alleged 16-year-old drug dealer in exchange for heroin, the Philadelphia District Attorney announced Thursday.
According to police, Luke Dercole, 32, allegedly sold the guns to 16-year-old Michael Burak.
Police say Burak then used one of the guns to shoot Jonathan Espinosa in October.
District Attorney Seth Williams told reporters Thursday during a news conference that it was time to get tough on straw purchases.
"This case demonstrates the need for such severe punishment on straw purchases," Williams said.
Straw purchases have received plenty of attention after the killing of Montgomery County police officer Brad Fox. Fox was shot and killed during a hit-and-run investigation last year.
Investigators said the gun used to kill Fox was purchased by a middle man.
Police say the problem is widespread.
In Philadelphia, there were 324 homicides last year and the district attorney says 85 percent of those involved illegal handguns.
Williams says this year will be different.
"If you carry a gun on the streets of Philadelphia without a license, you're going to jail."
The alleged 16-year-old drug dealer faces attempted murder and other related charges while the man accused of buying the guns is currently being held on $500,000 bail.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
WJBK-TV | Fox 2 16550 West Nine Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48075
Main Station: (248) 557-2000 Newsroom: (248) 552-5103
DA Seth Williams speaks to reporters Thursday about straw purchases.
