DOYLESTOWN, PA — A Philadelphia man was sentenced Monday to 12 ½ to 25 years in state prison for illegally trafficking firearms, one of which was later tied to a Philadelphia homicide, and for possessing child sexual abuse material found on his phone.
Jermaine Bantum, 36, pleaded guilty in June to 68 felony counts, including dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, making false statements on firearm purchase forms, illegal firearm sales, sales to ineligible transferees, and criminal conspiracy. He also pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.
Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. handed down the sentence, which also included 12 months of probation and a requirement that Bantum register as a sex offender for 15 years.
The Bucks County Detectives Gun Violence Task Force launched the investigation, with support from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Detectives found that Bantum purchased 13 handguns between 2018 and 2023 from shops in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, and surrounding counties.
One of the firearms, bought in Bucks County in May 2022, was recovered during a domestic disturbance in Upper Darby Township. Forensic testing linked it to an August 23, 2022, homicide in Philadelphia, just 82 days after Bantum purchased it.
Bantum was arrested in July 2024. Detectives seized his cellphone, and a forensic examination uncovered 77 photos and videos containing child sexual abuse material.
Deputy District Attorney Thomas C. Gannon, Chief of the Drugs and Firearm Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
Authorities said the sentencing reflects the serious dangers posed by straw purchasing and gun trafficking, which often funnel firearms into criminal activity, as well as the harm caused by child exploitation crimes.
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