Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Scheme to Rob Drug Dealers and Sell Their Cocaine

CAMDEN, N.J. B A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to rob a drug stash house in order to sell the stolen cocaine, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Ralph Dennis, 35, and conspirator Terrance Hardee, a/k/a “Fat Cat,” 37, both of Philadelphia, were previously convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and one count of conspiracy to possess more than five kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute. Dennis was also found guilty of using and carrying a firearm during a violent crime. The jury returned the verdict on the second day of deliberations following a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge Joseph E. Irenas, who imposed Dennis’ sentence today in Camden federal court.

Hardee awaits sentencing.

According documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

In June and July of 2012, Dennis and Hardee planned a gunpoint robbery of a drug stash house. They prepared to steal multiple kilograms of cocaine from the drug dealers at the location, then sell it themselves to make a profit.

During the investigation, Dennis was recorded discussing his willingness to kill anyone they found inside the house as they were robbing it. Hardee was recorded talking about his role – tying up the house’s occupants with zip ties.

Special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) arrested the pair when they arrived in Maple Shade, New Jersey, on July 16, 2012, on their way to the robbery location, with Dennis carrying a gun. Dennis and Hardee also brought gloves, and zip ties were found in the car they drove to Maple Shade.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Irenas sentenced Dennis to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited ATF special agents in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Carle and Matthew T. Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.