PHILADELPHIA, PA — Norman Copper, a 33-year-old resident of Philadelphia, was convicted on Friday of charges including possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearms by a felon.
The charges, stemming from a superseding indictment filed in June 2024, followed an investigation initiated in December 2023. During that time, the Upper Merion Township Police Department acted on information from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Parole Field Services, which suggested Copper, then on parole for attempted murder, was implicated in illegal narcotics sales and firearm possession.
According to evidence presented at trial, Copper’s GPS monitor, a condition of his parole, flagged unapproved visits to a location later identified as his girlfriend’s apartment in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Surveillance conducted by detectives revealed frequent movements between the apartment and a connected storage unit.
Search warrants executed in January 2024 uncovered substantial evidence, including over 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, three semiautomatic handguns—one with a silencer—and an AK-style semiautomatic rifle. Investigators confirmed these items were stored in locations linked to Copper, who as a felon was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Copper’s sentencing is scheduled for July 30, and he faces severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum of 45 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
The case was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Upper Merion Township Police Department, the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Mills and Justin Ashenfelter are prosecuting the case.
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