Nine Suspects in Meth Ring Bust Waive Charges

Felony charges were withdrawn against most of the nine suspects facing preliminary hearings Wednesday before District Judge Andrea Duffy in Montgomeryville, but each - with the exception of John J. Welsh III - will head to the County Court of Common Pleas to face arraignment on July 18.

Two brothers - Jeff and David Penna - are considered "heavily-involved" in the methamphetamine trafficking ring, according to Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Jason Whalley. 

The remaining suspects are considered middle or lower level players in the methamphetamine trafficking ring.

The Pennas waived their charges against them to county court. Bail against each Penna was reduced from 10 percent of $100,000 to $100,000 unsecured.

Jeff Penna resides at 1295 Cabin Road in Hatfield Township. Dave Penna resides at 1898 Valley Forge Road in . 

Robert Glorioso, who resided with Jeff Penna at 1295 Cabin Road, Hatfield Township, had four felony counts and a misdemeanor withdrawn by the prosecution: criminal use of a communication facility, dealing in unlawful proceeds and a misdemeanor of prohibition of possessing a firearm.

Glorioso is still charged with four felony Corrupt Organizations charges, felony conspiracy to manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver; and felony manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.

James Trull, of 1447 Old Skippack Road, Upper Salford Township, had 11 felonies against him withdrawn by the prosecution: all four corrupt organizations charges; two counts of criminal use of a communication facility; two counts of dealing in unlawful proceeds; conspiracy to manufacture, deliver or possess with the intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance; and two counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver.

Trull faces two misdemeanor use or possession of drug paraphernalia and a misdemeanor intent or possession of a controlled substanceby an unregistered person, according to court records.

Trull's bail was reduced from $100,000 cash to Released On His Own Recognizance.

Trull has a detainer against him, and his arrest violated his state parole, Whalley said. Trull will be headed back upstate to prison.

Ronald Krauss, of 10 S. Towamencin Avenue, Lansdale, and Jamie L. Hamburg, of 27 Lincoln Avenue, Floor 2, Lansdale, each had two felony criminal use of a communication facility withdrawn by the prosecution. 

Krauss and Hamburg now face four misdemeanor charges in county court: two counts of possession of a controlled substance by an unregistered person and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court records.

Krauss is owner of Bad Ronald's Custom Tattooing in Lansdale.

Joseph Croxton - sans pink hair - had all seven felony charges against him withdrawn by the prosecution at his preliminary hearing. Croxton, of 1734 Tasker St., Floor 1, Philadelphia, faces six misdemeanor charges in county court.

Juan Encarnacion was without an attorney at his preliminary hearing, as he had not retained one.

Encarnacion waived all his charges to county court in July. Encarnacion faces eight felony charges and five misdemeanor charges.

John J. Welsh III, of 1150 Schwab Road, Hatfield Township, had all felony charges of criminal use of a communication facility and misdemeanor charges of use and possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance by an unregistered person withdrawn by the prosecution. 

Welsh will plead to two disorderly conduct charges, Whalley said.

Whalley said Frank Messina and Troy Dudas were the "top two" suspects involved in the methamphetamine ring. and had their hearings last month.

When a defendant "waives" charges, it means the defendant did not contest the charges during the preliminary hearing. From there, the charges are carried over to county court for the defendant's formal arraignment.

In other words: the defendant is saying there is enough evidence against them to be tried at the county common pleas court.

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