CHAMBERSBURG, Pennsylvania – A man who proclaimed himself as the primary drug dealer in Chambersburg has been convicted in federal court for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation that resulted in a fatality. Bruce David Darby, 45, was found guilty of multiple charges including trafficking fentanyl, oxycodone, and cocaine, as well as money laundering. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania stated that Darby was also convicted for delivering fentanyl-laced pills that led to the overdose death of a woman in 2019.
Malik Bonds, 42, was also found guilty for his involvement in Darby’s conspiracy and for the delivery of cocaine. The prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating that Darby had obtained oxycodone pills from New York City and sold them in the Chambersburg area between 2018 and 2019. A monitored phone call revealed Darby referring to himself as “the biggest pill dealer in Chambersburg.”
Authorities previously reported that Darby’s activities resulted in the distribution of 6,000 pills and cocaine in Franklin County. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized the devastating impact caused by Darby and Bonds, stating that they prioritized profits over the lives of those they sold to. The law enforcement’s collaborative efforts were crucial in stopping the flow of dangerous substances and protecting the community from grave risks.
A tragic incident occurred on August 26, 2019, when Kayla Bertone, a 28-year-old woman from Chambersburg, suffered a fatal overdose from the fentanyl-laced pills obtained from Darby. The then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro stated that Bertone had more than twice the therapeutic level of fentanyl in her blood. Bonds was among 12 individuals arrested in connection with Darby’s drug trafficking ring.
Darby now faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years, followed by supervised release and a fine. Bonds, on the other hand, could potentially be sentenced to 40 years in prison, also followed by supervised release and a fine. The specific sentence is determined by the judge, taking into account federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation into Darby began in late 2018 following a hotline tip. This information led the police to initiate an inquiry that eventually resulted in Darby’s arrest in December 2019. Further examination revealed that Darby’s operation involved group texts advertising the availability of pills, drug deals in the parking lots of convenience stores, and financial transactions made through wire transfers, cellphone apps, and the internet to pay the drug sources in New York.
The FBI and the Franklin County Drug Task Force played significant roles in bringing Darby and Bonds to justice. Wayne A. Jacobs, FBI Philadelphia’s Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the commitment to keeping communities safe from individuals involved in drug trafficking. Today’s conviction sends a strong message to drug organizations and gang members that law enforcement will hold them accountable for their actions.
The conviction of Bruce David Darby and Malik Bonds serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by drug dealers who put profits before the lives of others. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies exemplify their dedication to protecting the community from the devastating impact of drug trafficking operations.