Two Philadelphia Men Plead Guilty in Urgent Gun Trafficking Case
UPDATE: Two Philadelphia men, Corry K. Simpson and Marcus Lee Jackson, have pleaded guilty in a major gun trafficking case linked to a deadly home invasion in Lower Merion. This urgent development follows their involvement in a network allegedly responsible for distributing 3D-printed ghost guns and other illegal firearms.
In a Montgomery County courtroom, Simpson, 39, admitted to charges of corrupt organizations and illegal firearm transfers, which occurred between June 2024 and January 2025. His role as a “middle man” involved purchasing a firearm from Charles Edward Fulforth, a key figure in the trafficking network. Judge Risa Vetri Ferman has deferred sentencing for Simpson, who could face up to 20 years in prison.
Meanwhile, Jackson, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and illegal firearm sales. As part of a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 11.5 to 23 months in county jail, followed by three years of probation. Both men were arrested in January along with six others implicated in this extensive gun trafficking operation.
Authorities have revealed that the organization was allegedly led by Fulforth, along with Kelvin Roberts Jr. and Jeremy Fuentes, who are also facing serious charges stemming from the December 8, 2024 home invasion that resulted in the tragic death of Andrew Gaudio, 25. His mother, Bernadette Gaudio, was critically injured during the incident. Investigators believe the group mistakenly targeted the Gaudio home based on faulty information provided by Fuentes, who is currently serving a life sentence for his role in the crime.
This urgent case highlights the dangers posed by untraceable firearms and the network’s operation to manufacture and distribute weapons without any identification of their origins. County Detective David Holtzman noted in a criminal complaint that the organization was dedicated to arming its members and supplying firearms to others.
Authorities seized multiple firearms, silencers, gun parts, and even 3D printers during searches of Fulforth’s residence in Abington Township and a garage in Oreland. Notably, a 9mm 3D-printed ghost gun linked to the fatal shooting of Andrew Gaudio was recovered from Fulforth’s apartment.
As investigations continue, Fulforth and Roberts have already been convicted of first-degree murder in connection to the home invasion and are serving life sentences. Fuentes awaits trial as well. Authorities are now focusing on uncovering the full extent of the gun trafficking network, which has already seen several members plead guilty.
The impact of this case resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the urgent need for action against illegal gun trafficking. As the legal proceedings unfold, more revelations regarding the extent of this operation are expected.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
