PHILADELPHIA, PA — Diane Gillard, a 41-year-old resident of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 192 months in federal prison for her involvement in a significant drug trafficking and firearms operation, as announced by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. United States District Court Judge John M. Gallagher imposed the sentence on Wednesday, which also includes 10 years of supervised release and a restitution payment of $2,100.
The charges against Gillard stemmed from a comprehensive FBI investigation into the drug trafficking organization she led with her brother, Phillip Gillard, and seven other associates. Operating in the Port Richmond area of Philadelphia, this organization was responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP), fentanyl, and other narcotics. Their operations were alarmingly close to the Memphis Street Academy, a charter school, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the community.
The two-year investigation involved extensive surveillance and undercover operations, which provided crucial evidence of the group’s illegal activities. Law enforcement agents seized substantial amounts of drugs, including over 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. This significant haul underscores the scale of the organization’s operations and the potential impact on local residents.
In November 2023, Diane Gillard pleaded guilty to all charges in a 54-count superseding indictment. Her co-conspirators, including Sharif Jackson, Amin Whitehead, Cesar Maldonado, Terrence Maxwell, Raphael Sanchez, Melvin Dreher, and Arron Preno, have also pleaded guilty and received various prison sentences, ranging from six months to 180 months. Phillip Gillard, convicted at trial, awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Romero highlighted the severity of Gillard’s actions, stating, “Diane Gillard was a central participant in the Gillard Street Gang’s trafficking, caught red-handed selling large amounts of drugs on multiple occasions.” She affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to combat the drug epidemic affecting Philadelphia and its residents.
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, remarked on the community impact, saying, “Drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine devastate communities across our nation and have no place in our city.” He emphasized the extensive efforts of the FBI and their partners in dismantling this criminal network.
Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia, commended the collaboration between agencies, noting, “The interagency cooperation on this case has been truly outstanding.” The partnership between the FBI, Philadelphia Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Memphis Street Academy was pivotal in securing this outcome.
Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Robert W. Schopf are prosecuting the case.
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