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In a joint statement by prosecutors from Montgomery and Bucks counties on Wednesday, Jan. 25, officials said that two adults and 11 teens were taken into custody following a months-long investigation into the burglaries.
The group, which detectives say is affiliated with a "neighborhood-based juvenile street gang" in West Philly called "54th Street," stole 93 guns from legal firearms dealers across the region, authorities claimed. Of those, police have only recovered 33.
Each of the four burglaries occurred between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., prosecutors said. The crew would gain entry to a closed store, smash the glass at the gun display counter, and make off with as many weapons as they could carry, wrote authorities.
Investigators say they've tied the group to four separate break-ins: at Founding Father Outfitters in Springfield Twp. on Sept. 24, at Target World Gun Shop in New Britain Twp. on Nov. 12, at Tanners Sports Center in Warwick on Nov. 20, and a botched attempt at Continental Armory in Hatboro on Nov. 20.
Angel Mason, 40, of Philadelphia, was charged with corrupt organizations, conspiracy, illegal firearm possession, evidence tampering, and related offenses. She was released after posting $5,000 bail, authorities said.
Donte Purnell, 22, of Philadelphia, was charged with corrupt organizations, receiving stolen property, evidence tampering, and related offenses. He also posted bail at $15,000 and was subsequently released.
Liv Hall, 18, of Philadelphia, was charged with corrupt organizations, aggravated assault, burglary, conspiracy, and related counts. She remains locked up in Philadelphia on unrelated charges.
Elijah Terrell, 16, is being charged as an adult with corrupt organizations, receiving stolen property, and various gun trafficking offenses. He remains in police custody, according to prosecutors.
The nine others charged are being tried as juveniles and their names will not be released, Montco District Attorney Kevin Steele said.
According to the criminal complaint, 54th Street "primarily operates" in the area of its namesake road and Kingsessing Avenue. The group previously self-identified as "OT4" but has since rebranded.
Authorities say 54th Street engages in various criminal enterprises including car theft, robbery, and burglary, and often clashes with another "juvenile neighborhood-based group" called "65th Street."
Detectives wrote that suspected 54th Street members — including some of the teens charged in the above case — can be seen in music videos on YouTube "displaying a multitude of firearms" and "referencing violence against 'The Five,'" or 65th Street.
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