Courts. (Credit: LevittownNow.com)
A Philadelphia man will now face trial after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm during a late-night traffic stop along Route 309, according to a report.
Lonelle Robert Fogan, 28, of the 700 block of North 42nd Street in Philadelphia, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court to two firearm-related offenses: carrying a firearm without a license and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The charges stem from a November 2023 incident that unfolded on Route 309.
Montgomery County Judge Steven T. O’Neill deferred sentencing to allow for the completion of a pre-sentencing investigation, including a review of Fogan’s background and drug and alcohol evaluations. Fogan remains in custody at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility without bail while he awaits his sentencing hearing.
According to prosecutors, Fogan faces a maximum sentence of six years in prison, though Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines may allow for a lesser term.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Courtney McMonagle. Defense attorney George Griffith Jr. is representing Fogan.
The events leading to Fogan’s arrest began shortly before 2 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2023, when police observed a Toyota Corolla with a broken headlamp traveling northbound on Bethlehem Pike, also known as Route 309. Officers conducted a traffic stop near Richardson Road.
Montgomery Township Police Officer Jacob Millevoi, who filed the criminal complaint, reported that as he approached the vehicle, he saw Fogan, the lone occupant, reaching under the driver’s seat in what appeared to be an attempt to hide something. When asked for consent to search the vehicle, Fogan declined. However, officers spotted what appeared to be marijuana in plain view in the center console and placed Fogan under arrest.
Police impounded the vehicle and later obtained a search warrant. During the search, officers discovered a loaded 9mm Polymer 80 "ghost gun" equipped with 15 hollow point rounds, one of which was chambered. The weapon was found directly under the driver’s seat—precisely where Fogan had been seen reaching.
Authorities say Fogan has a prior criminal record that legally bars him from owning or carrying a firearm. He also lacked a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Lesser drug charges related to the marijuana and paraphernalia discovered in the vehicle are expected to be dropped at the time of sentencing.
