Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 15-30 Years for Gun Trafficking

UPDATE: A Philadelphia man, Robert Otis Cooper III, has been sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for his role in a gun trafficking network that flooded the streets with illegal firearms. This urgent ruling comes as authorities reveal that Cooper purchased 41 firearms for the ringleader, Larry B. Williams, who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for similar charges.

In Montgomery County Court, Judge Steven T. O’Neill emphasized the dire consequences of illegal gun access, stating, “Guns are an epidemic and they are killing people.” Cooper was convicted on multiple charges, including corrupt organizations and making false statements on federal firearms purchase forms, following incidents that transpired between 2022 and 2023.

Cooper’s case is part of a large-scale investigation into a multi-county gun trafficking network that has become a growing concern in Philadelphia and beyond. Prosecutors noted that Cooper was a key player, purchasing firearms through illegal straw purchase schemes, where he bought guns on behalf of individuals who were legally prohibited from doing so.

Assistant District Attorney William Harry Highland III argued for a harsher sentence, stating, “It only takes one gun to cause unthinkable damage,” pointing out that over half of the firearms he purchased remain unaccounted for on the streets. Highland highlighted Cooper’s rapid buying spree, which included two dozen firearms in just one month, declaring it “a buying frenzy” that could arm a militia.

During the court proceedings, Cooper expressed remorse, stating, “I made a huge mistake and I apologize for that. I learned from my mistakes.” His defense attorney attempted to argue for a lesser sentence, citing Cooper’s struggles with mental health and substance use, claiming he was manipulated by Williams. However, the judge maintained that Cooper’s actions significantly contributed to the ongoing gun violence crisis.

The illegal activities of Cooper and his associates have been linked to a staggering 94 firearms purchased and attempted for purchase across various counties, including Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia. Many of these firearms were obtained at gun shows, with some even recovered during investigations of other criminal activities.

This case underscores the pressing issue of gun trafficking and its harmful impact on communities. With Cooper now behind bars, authorities continue to investigate the extensive network that allowed such illegal transactions to occur. As the situation develops, law enforcement agencies are working to track down the remaining firearms and prevent further gun violence.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal gun purchases. The ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies aims to dismantle these dangerous networks that threaten public safety.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.