Judge convicts Pottstown man of drug trafficking charges | News

NORRISTOWN — A judge convicted a Pottstown man of numerous drug-related charges after various drugs, including heroin and fentanyl, were seized by borough police during a search of the man’s residence.

Sharif Alil Grant, 26, of the 400 block of Jefferson Avenue, was convicted in Montgomery County Court of charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and synthetic marijuana, possession of those drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with a January 2018 incident at his residence.

Judge Todd D. Eisenberg, who presided over a two-day, nonjury trial, acquitted Grant of charges of person not to possess a firearm, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the incident.

Eisenberg deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigation report about Grant. Grant remains in the county jail without bail while awaiting a sentencing hearing later this year.

Court documents indicate that members of the Pottstown Police Community Response Unit launched an investigation into alleged illegal drug trafficking from Grant’s residence in January 2018. Police obtained a warrant to search the residence and on Jan. 18 members of Montgomery County SWAT West showed up at Grant’s home at 6 a.m. to conduct the search.

Grant was taken into custody in a front bedroom, according to a criminal complaint filed by Pottstown Police Officer Michael Breslin.

During a search of the residence, police seized more than two dozen clear bags containing synthetic marijuana, a safe containing various amounts of heroin or fentanyl and a black box containing 19 clear bags of crack cocaine, according to the criminal complaint.

Authorities also seized various drug packaging materials, police said.

Breslin alleged that based on his training and experience, the amount of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids recovered was “consistent with possession with intent to distribute and not for personal use.”

While police alleged they also seized a quantity of marijuana and a 9mm handgun containing rounds of ammunition and tried to link Grant to those items, the judge acquitted Grant of those charges.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Evan Correia. Defense lawyer Thomas C. Egan III represented Grant.