MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, man has admitted to operating a
multi-state organized drug trafficking business dubbed the “19th Street Enterprise.”
The US Attorney’s Office reports Christopher Arthur Jones, also known as “Smooth,” pled guilty this week to a racketeering enterprise (RICO)
conspiracy and fentanyl distribution charges. Jones, 38, was the leader of the organization, directing
members of the enterprise to sell drugs, commit acts of violence, launder money, and commit fraud in West
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The business was based in Philadelphia, but Jones had
drug houses in Martinsburg, West Virginia and elsewhere.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble heard testimony Wednesday that Jones ordered armed robberies at
residences in West Virginia and Maryland to help fund his enterprise. The homeowners were targeted
because of perceived wealth.
The organization was selling an estimated 100 grams of fentanyl per week
and laundering at least $500 per day from a house on Crooked Way in Martinsburg. Jones also committed
COVID fraud, receiving COVID relief funds under false pretenses.
As a part of the plea agreement, Jones has agreed to forfeit any proceeds from the crimes, as well as his
Philadelphia property, which was used as the stash house for his operation.
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ones is facing at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine
any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.