Philly Leader

Diane Gillard, a 41-year-old resident of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for her involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge John M. Gallagher and includes 10 years of supervised release and $2,100 in restitution.

Gillard was charged alongside her brother Phillip Gillard and seven other individuals as part of a drug trafficking organization operating near the Memphis Street Academy in Philadelphia. The charges stemmed from an FBI investigation that lasted two years and uncovered the group's distribution of methamphetamine, PCP, fentanyl, and other narcotics.

The FBI's investigation involved surveillance and undercover operations that led to significant drug seizures. In total, law enforcement confiscated over 20 pounds of pure methamphetamine, three gallons of PCP, one and a half kilograms of cocaine, 900 grams of crack cocaine, 400 grams of fentanyl, and 11 firearms.

Other members of the organization have also received prison sentences after pleading guilty. Sharif Jackson was sentenced to 180 months; Amin Whitehead to 138 months; Cesar Maldonado to 96 months; Terrence Maxwell to 93 months; Raphael Sanchez to 90 months; Melvin Dreher to 60 months; and Arron Preno to six months. Phillip Gillard is scheduled for sentencing in December following his conviction at trial.

U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero stated: “Diane Gillard was a central participant in the Gillard Street Gang’s trafficking, caught red-handed selling large amounts of drugs on multiple occasions.” She emphasized the ongoing efforts against those contributing to Philadelphia's drug crisis.

Wayne A. Jacobs from the FBI highlighted the impact of drugs like fentanyl on communities: “Today’s sentence is a culmination of a years-long investigation.” Edward V. Owens from Homeland Security Investigations praised interagency cooperation in bringing these criminals to justice.

The case was investigated by several agencies including the FBI, Philadelphia Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations with support from Memphis Street Academy. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Robert W. Schopf.