A traffic stop in Chester County in January 2025 helped break open what investigators say was an $18.7 million illegal THC trafficking operation spanning Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 12 people on Monday, Sept. 14, alleging they ran a network that funneled high-potency THC products through convenience stores and smoke shops statewide. The Chester County District Attorney's Office was among eight county DA offices that assisted the investigation, according to the DA's weekly update published Monday, Sept. 21.
During the Chester County stop, a Pennsylvania State Police trooper discovered the driver was hauling THC products to stores, with payments made in cash, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. AG Sunday called it the investigation's "big break," the Inquirer reported.
A statewide investigating grand jury recommended criminal charges in August 2026. Agents seized roughly 150,000 items from three warehouse locations in Plum Borough, Allegheny County; Pittston, Luzerne County; and Bensalem, Bucks County, according to the AG's office. Search warrants were also served at convenience stores and smoke shops across the state.
All 12 defendants have been arraigned on charges including corrupt organizations and dealing in proceeds of illegal activity. Many also face felony drug-trafficking charges. Several are accused of laundering millions through LLC fronts to mask cash deposits.
AG Sunday said many of the seized products were packaged and flavored to attract children, including pre-rolled joints and candy-like edibles. Senior Deputy Attorney General Rachel Wheeler is leading the prosecutions.
DNA grant boosts Chester County forensics
Separately, the DA's office announced that State Sen. Carolyn Comitta helped secure $50,000 in state funding for the Chester County Detectives and Coatesville Police Department's DNA program.
During a visit, Comitta toured the Detectives' Crime Scene Forensics Lab. County detectives demonstrated how DNA evidence is collected at crime scenes, analyzed through a Rapid DNA System and sent for confirmation testing.
Jury convicts two in 2022 Coatesville shooting
A Chester County jury on Aug. 28 found Sincere Brown-Trowery, 26, and Tyriq Parker, 26, guilty of attempted murder, conspiracy and related charges for a Feb. 24, 2022, shooting in Coatesville.
Testimony showed the two drove to the victim's residence on the 500 block of Walnut Street, opened fire on the victim while he sheltered in his own vehicle, then fled in a green BMW.
"These defendants worked in coordination to try and assassinate someone sitting in their car," Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said.
The four-day trial was held before Judge Bret Binder in Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Cardamone and Assistant District Attorney Jack Meehan prosecuted the case. The Coatesville City Police Department led the investigation.
Both defendants will be sentenced at a later date.
