The Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force and Bristol Township Police Department took down a gun and drug ring that supplied methamphetamine and firearms, including untraceable “ghost guns” and fully automatic weapons, in the Lower Bucks County and Northern Philadelphia areas.
Following a yearlong investigation into the Pentz Drug and Gun Distribution Organization, that included the purchase of guns and methamphetamine through confidential informants, Bucks County Detectives served three warrants, leading to the arrests of two men, both convicted felons, and the recovery of suspected drugs, money and several firearms.
A criminal complaint filed earlier this month alleges the Pentz Drug and Gun Distribution Organization has been in operation in Bucks County since 2021 as a source supplier of methamphetamine, assault style rifles, handguns and other firearms. The organization offered direct access to multiple types of firearms to include fully automatic firearms, as well as parts to modify weapons to make them more dangerous.
“I can’t think of a deadlier combination than criminals motivated by illegal guns, meth and money,” said District Attorney Matt Weintraub. “Thanks to the incredible work of our Drug Strike Force and its law enforcement partners, we’ve taken some of each off our streets with this bust and seizure. Bucks County is much safer for it. These kinds of investigations, arrests and seizures will continue to be a priority for us.”
Police charged Nicholas Michael Pentz, 29, of Macintosh Road, Bristol Township, and Brandon Monachelli, 24, of Militia Court, Bensalem, with the following crimes:
– Corrupt organizations
– Prohibited possession of a firearm
– Alter/obliterate mark of identification
– Possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer number
– Criminal use of a communication facility
– Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
– Firearms not to be carried without a license
– Crime committed with a firearm
– Criminal conspiracy
Monachelli was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes and was committed to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $5 million bail, 10 percent. Pentz was to be arraigned on those charges at a later time.
During a search of Pentz’s Macintosh Road home, detectives recovered suspected methamphetamine and drug sale paraphernalia, as well as two firearms – a semi-automatic, assault-style rifle with a suppressor and a 9mm with a custom trigger, suppressor, and a switch converting it into a fully automatic firearm. Police described both weapons as “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms without serial numbers. Investigators also recovered ammunition, partial guns and parts, and $10,500 from Pentz’s home.
Pentz was also charged with prohibited possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia following the execution of the warrant. On that case, a district judge set bail at $75,000, 10 percent.
Monachelli was taken into custody, following a search of his residence in Bensalem. There, police recovered two firearms, along with gun parts, ammunition and methamphetamine paraphernalia. Police believe the investigation may result in further arrests.
This case was investigated by the Bucks County Detectives Drug Strike Force and the Bristol Township Police Department, with the assistance of the Bensalem Township Police Department, Bucks County South SWAT Team, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Rees is assigned for prosecution.
