More Than $80,000 in Narcotics and Multiple Loaded Firearms Seized in Coordinated Operation
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a collaborative law enforcement effort resulting in the arrest of a Philadelphia man as well as the seizure of over $80,000 worth of narcotics and multiple illegal loaded firearms that were only discovered after authorities received a report of identity theft.
Ronald Marsh, 31, was arrested earlier this month and was charged with identity theft, forgery, possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute, persons not to possess firearms, and fleeing and eluding.
In a coordinated effort involving the U.S. Marshal’s Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, the Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF), and the Philadelphia Police Department, Marsh was apprehended on August 8, 2024, after an investigation revealed he used a false identity to lease an apartment in Philadelphia. During a search of the apartment, authorities seized one pound of suspected methamphetamine, nine pounds of marijuana, and twenty-two packets of heroin/fentanyl, along with several loaded firearms and thousands of dollars in cash. Agents estimated the value of the narcotics seized at $80,000.
“This defendant had a sophisticated system to steal someone’s identity and use it while trafficking dangerous weapons and drugs,” Attorney General Henry said. “This case exemplifies the relentless dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, and sends a strong message to those engaging in criminal conduct — we will work together to dismantle dangerous activity and seek justice.”
In July 2024, the GVTF in Philadelphia began an investigation into the circumstances of the rental approval for the apartment Marsh currently occupied. Through the investigation, agents discovered that Ronald Marsh was using a stolen Pennsylvania Driver’s License to lease the apartment.
During the execution of a search warrant at his residence, the defendant fled and led police and agents in a pursuit, operating and then abandoning multiple vehicles. The subsequent searches of his vehicles produced more narcotics including methamphetamine, cash, and fraudulent debit cards.
Marsh was arraigned on August 10, 2024 and is currently being held in the Philadelphia Prison System on $1,000,000 bail.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Christopher Dey. All charges are accusations. The defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
# # #
