A Philadelphia man, Norman Copper, 34, has been sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney following Copper’s conviction earlier this year on charges that included possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of firearms by a felon.
Copper was indicted on these charges in June 2024. His arrest followed an investigation that began after the Upper Merion Township Police Department received information from Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Parole Field Services. At the time, Copper was on state parole for attempted murder and under GPS monitoring as a condition of his release.
Authorities intercepted prison calls and video visits suggesting Copper’s involvement in narcotics sales and illegal firearm possession. Investigators used GPS data to track him spending early morning hours at an unapproved location in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania—the apartment of his then-girlfriend. Surveillance revealed frequent visits to this apartment and trips toward a nearby storage unit linked to the residence.
In January 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at both locations. They seized over one and a half pounds of methamphetamine, three semiautomatic handguns (one equipped with a silencer), and an AK-style semiautomatic rifle. As a convicted felon, Copper was prohibited from possessing these weapons.
“Again and again, Norman Copper has flouted the law and chosen to engage in criminal activity that endangered the community,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “He was deeply involved in the distribution of large quantities of meth — and heavily armed to protect his profits, product, and drug dealer persona. Our office and our partners are working every day to put dangerous offenders like him behind bars, to make the public safer.”
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division stated: “This case is another example of our law enforcement cooperation to prevent violent crime. Copper, who was on parole for attempted murder, was heavily armed and loaded with drugs. Working with the Upper Merion Township Police Department, the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, and Assistant United States Attorneys, Copper will no longer threaten his neighborhood.”
The investigation involved cooperation between local police departments as well as federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey Mills and Justin Ashenfelter prosecuted the case.
