Attorney General Henry’s Gun Violence Task Force announces seizure and arrest in firearms, identity theft, and drug trafficking case
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a collaborative law enforcement effort resulting in the arrest of a Philadelphia man and the seizure of over $80,000 worth of narcotics and multiple illegal loaded firearms following a report of identity theft.
Ronald Marsh, 31, was arrested earlier this month and charged with identity theft, forgery, possession of narcotics with 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. 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, twenty-two packets of heroin/fentanyl, 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 investigating the circumstances surrounding the rental approval for Marsh's apartment. Through their efforts, agents discovered that Ronald Marsh was using a stolen Pennsylvania Driver’s License to lease the property.
During the execution of a search warrant at his residence, Marsh fled and led police on a pursuit before abandoning multiple vehicles. Subsequent searches produced more narcotics including methamphetamine, cash, and fraudulent debit cards.
Marsh was arraigned on August 10, 2024 and is currently held in the Philadelphia Prison System on $1 million bail.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Christopher Dey. All charges are accusations; the defendant is innocent unless proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing.
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