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Two Philadelphia men have been charged in connection with a theft spree targeting about 20 vehicles parked at city casinos. Authorities say two stolen firearms are still missing.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against Darnell Martin, 33, and Eric Blackwell, 29. Investigators said the pair stole firearms, credit and debit cards, personal checks, and clothing from vehicles at Philadelphia casinos, including a June 4 theft at Rivers Casino in Fishtown.
Details of the Alleged Thefts and Arrests
Authorities alleged surveillance footage showed Martin breaking into vehicles. They said the footage also showed Blackwell acting as a lookout. According to investigators, Martin frequently visited casinos to look for unlocked cars in parking lots.
Martin was arrested on July 9. Authorities recovered many of the stolen items at that time. The two firearms were not found. Blackwell was taken into custody last week.
Martin and Blackwell are each charged with theft, conspiracy, and carrying firearms without a license. Martin also faces additional weapons possession charges.
In a statement, Sunday said,
“Stolen firearms present a direct threat to the public, as those guns often end up at the scene of violent crimes or in the hands of someone prohibited from legal possession.”
Investigation Partners and Defendants’ Prior Records
The attorney general’s office said the investigation was handled by the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department with assistance from the casinos.
Authorities said Blackwell pleaded guilty in 2023 to carrying a firearm in public. He served 18 months of probation. Prosecutors also said Martin has previously been charged in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in firearms, theft, and conspiracy cases. He was last sentenced to confinement and probation in 2020.
Preliminary hearings for both men are scheduled for Tuesday.
Source: As reported by North East Times.
