Phillip Gillard, 48, of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking organization. United States District Judge John M. Gallagher also ordered Gillard to serve 10 years of supervised release and pay $2,400 in fines and assessments.
Gillard was convicted in February 2024 on federal drug trafficking and firearm offenses. His conviction followed a two-year investigation by the FBI into a drug trafficking group operating in the Port Richmond area of Philadelphia. The organization distributed methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP), fentanyl, and other narcotics near Memphis Street Academy, a charter school at 2950 Memphis Street.
Law enforcement conducted surveillance and undercover operations during the investigation. Agents purchased drugs from members of the organization and found that Gillard and his co-defendants operated three properties within 1,000 feet of the school.
Authorities seized more than 20 pounds of pure methamphetamine, three gallons of PCP, one and a half kilograms of cocaine, 900 grams of crack cocaine, 400 grams of fentanyl, and 11 firearms as part of the case.
Eight co-defendants—Diane Gillard, Sharif Jackson, Amin Whitehead, Cesar Maldonado, Terrence Maxwell, Raphael Sanchez, Melvin Dreher, and Arron Preno—pleaded guilty to their roles in the organization. Sentences ranged from six months to sixteen years in prison with varying terms of supervised release.
The FBI led the investigation with support from the Philadelphia Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Memphis Street Academy provided significant cooperation during the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Robert Schopf prosecuted.
United States Attorney David Metcalf stated: “This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling organizations that distribute dangerous drugs in our communities.”
