MEDIA, PA – District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced the arrest of six individuals in connection with the operation of a major drug trafficking organization in Delaware County. The arrests are the result of an intensive undercover operation by the County’s Narcotics Task Force (NTF), with tremendous assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police, the Delaware State Police, the office of the Camden County (NJ) District Attorney, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The six individuals arrested as a result of Operation Spark Plug are:
- Shawn Payne, 53, Sicklerville, NJ;
- Lydell Heyward, 49, Philadelphia, PA;
- Amir Colder, 45, Claymont, DE;
- Shamar Campbell, 35, Upland, PA;
- William Johnson, 64, Chester, PA;
- Marece Scott, 39, Chester, PA.
All defendants other than Johnson have been charged with the operation of a corrupt organization, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy, as well as firearms charges. Johnson has been charged with possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, and charges related to his operation of a motor vehicle.
In October 2024, members of the NTF began an investigation into the suspected drug trafficking activities of defendant Campbell and his associates. The investigation identified defendant Campbell as the head of the suspected drug trafficking organization. It was determined that Campbell arranged for the acquisition of supplies of cocaine from sources in the greater Delaware Valley area.
Beginning in October 2024 and continuing through January 2025, members of the NTF made controlled undercover purchases of cocaine from Campbell in the City of Chester. In January 2025, members of the NTF engaged in a series of non-consensual intercepts of the cell phones of Campbell. Through those intercepts it was determined that Campbell was actively engaged in the acquisition and sale of cocaine to both cocaine users and distributors. Over the course of the intercepts, Campbell made more than 40 cocaine sales/deliveries to five different individuals.
On February 3, 2025, investigators learned that Campbell planned to purchase cocaine from Amir Colder in the City of Chester. Pursuant to an intercept of Colder’s cell phones, investigators learned that Colder planned to purchase several hundred grams of cocaine from defendant Lydell Heyward at a location in Philadelphia. Following Colder’s purchase of the cocaine, a Chester City Police Department officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop while Colder was enroute to his residence in Claymont, DE. Rather than stopping, Colder rolled down his window and discarded the cocaine that he had purchased from Heyward onto the highway. Colder eventually stopped in New Castle County, DE.
In February 2025, investigators engaged in a series of non-consensual intercepts of the cell phones of Heyward and Colder, as well as the cell phones of defendant Shawn Payne. Through the intercepts, investigators learned of arrangements between Heyward and Payne to meet in Springfield Township for a drug related meeting. The meeting was captured on surveillance video. Surveillance of Heyward also led investigators to execute search warrants for Heyward’s residence in Philadelphia and in Montgomery County, as well as a search warrant on Campbell’s residence in Chester. Drugs, money, guns, and items indicative of a drug trafficking operation were recovered.
As a result of this operation, 8.469 Kilograms in cocaine and a total of $99,425.66 in cash was recovered, as well as the following:
Vehicles
- 2021 Tesla DE Tag#512242
- 2015 Infinity DE Tag#514496
- 2023 BMW XM Tag#MFF-7308
- 2023 Mercedes Benz MayBach NC Tag# RHW-2124
- 2022 Mercedes Benz G-Wagon Tag#MHW-5595
- 2017 Cadillac CT6 Tag# MDT-1947
Weapons:
- Taurus G2C Handgun
- Smith and Wesson Handgun
- Ruger 57 Handgun
- Ruger Handgun
- Glock Handgun
- Taurus PT24 Handgun
- Narcotics: 8.469 Kg Cocaine, 1.5 g Marijuana
“Early in my tenure as District Attorney, I resolved to use every investigatory tool available to us to dismantle drug organizations operating in Delaware County. Using techniques such as wiretaps and undercover purchases, we have targeted the corrupt organizations that bring this poison into our communities, not just the individuals who sell it on our street corners. The work of the Narcotics Task Force is difficult, tedious, and dangerous, and requires an enormous investment of time and money. But I know that by stopping these defendants we have made Delaware County a safer, healthier place in which to live,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.
“I want to commend the members of the Delaware County Narcotics Task Force, led by Criminal Investigation Division Sgt. Anthony Ruggeri and Deputy District Attorney Laurie Moore. The success of this operation also relied upon the cooperation and professionalism of numerous law enforcement partners, including the City of Chester Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Delaware State Police, the office of the Camden County (NJ) District Attorney, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. We are enormously grateful for their contributions to the success of this operation. I would also like to specifically commend the hard work of officers Timothy Garron and John Benozich of the Chester Police Department, Special Patrick Barry of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and Special Agents Robert Lythgoe and Jess Prendergast of the FBI for their invaluable contributions,” said Stollsteimer.
“I am deeply grateful to all the law enforcement groups involved in this impressive operation, including the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and the Delaware County Narcotics Task Force, as well as the Delaware State Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. And I am particularly proud of the role that the Chester Police Department played in this operation. This was intensive work that has paid dividends in making the City of Chester and Delaware County a safer community,” said City of Chester Mayor Stefan Roots.
Defendant Campbell and Defendant Scott were arraigned by Judge Sonny Strohl, Defendant Colder was arraigned by Judge Wendy Roberts. Bail for Defendant Campbell was set at $1,000,000, 10%, Defendant Scott bail was set at $250,000 cash, Defendant Colder bail was set at $250,000 cash. Defendant Payne and Heyward are still awaiting arraignment on these charges.
Defendant Campbell, Colder, and Scott have been remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. Defendant Heyward has been remanded to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility until transfer to George W. Hill Correctional Facility. Defendant Payne has been remanded to Camden County Correctional Facility until transfer to George W. Hill Correctional Facility. Their preliminary hearings have been scheduled for March 19, 2025.
CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNLESS AND UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.
The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigations Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately and provide the most specific and accurate details possible to assist law enforcement agencies investigating the call for service.
For press inquiries, please contact Margie McAboy, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-579-0429
