South Philly drug ring

27154642

Eight locals were arrested for cocaine distribution allegedly spearheaded by a Marconi man that trafficked $800,000 worth of the drug around Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and police departments in southeastern Pennsylvania arrested 16 men and woman from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada Oct. 7, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

The ring dubbed “Operation Wayward Sons” has been in operation since August 2009. It is believed that William Gilkin, 39, of the 3000 block of South 16th Street, is the ringleader and allegedly supplied Scott Campanella, 39, of the 1800 block of Hulseman Street, and Richard Derosa, 42, of the 2800 block of South Alder Street, with multiple ounces of cocaine that were later redistributed to others in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Sullivan counties, as well as New Jersey.

Gilkin allegedly paid $850 per ounce of cocaine and Campanella was then believed to “re-rock” the substance to double its quantity in his mother’s basement. Campanella allegedly sold to a network of five including Paul Domenick, 48, of the 2600 block of South Third Street, and Paul Salvatore, 35, of the 2400 block of South Jessup Street.

Derosa allegedly sold cocaine to four members including Scott Strader, 39, of the 900 block of South Eighth Street, and Michael Orlando, 26, of the 2400 block of South Hutchinson Street, in addition to prescription narcotics to individuals including his mother. Derosa is believed to have traveled to Las Vegas in October ’09 for at least 200 OxyContin pills.

The case will be prosecuted in Montgomery County.

""

Gilkin was charged with 15 counts of criminal use of a communication facility, 11 counts of possession with the intent to deliver and conspiracy, six counts of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and two counts of corrupt organizations.

""

Campanella was charged with 75 counts of criminal use of a communication facility, 26 counts of possession with the intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy, 11 counts of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and two counts of corrupt organizations.

""

Derosa was charged with 30 counts of criminal use of a communication facility, 24 counts of possession with the intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy, four counts of dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activity and two counts of corrupt organizations.

""

Salvatore was charged with two counts of possession, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.

""

Domenick was charged with 24 counts of criminal use of a communication facility, 10 counts of possession with the intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy.

""

Strader was charged with seven counts of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, criminal conspiracy, dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activity and criminal use of a communication facility, and two counts of corrupt organizations.

""

Orlando was charged with four counts of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, criminal conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and criminal use of a communication device, and two counts of corrupt organizations.

""

Donna Meade, 58, of the 2200 block of South Bonsall Street, was charged with four counts of possession with the intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy, and two counts of criminal use of a communication facility.

Contact Staff Writer Amanda Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.

27154642