Jeffrey Neithammer
Media, PA — District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced the arrest of Jeffrey Neithammer, 36, of Media, on drug and firearms charges. The arrest resulted from a search of the defendant’s apartment after firefighters responded to a call about a smoke detector and discovered both drug and ghost gun manufacturing materials.
“Guns and drugs, that’s what this defendant was manufacturing in an apartment on State Street in Media. An area busy with office workers as well as children, and only a block away from the courthouse. In addition to the obvious dangers of the products he was producing, the defendant discharged firearms in his apartment without regard for the safety of his neighbors or Borough residents. Sadly, this case lays bare the ease with which guns can now be obtained in our community. We are awash in guns, and those guns endanger the lives of first responders and ordinary citizens every day. We must fight this battle every day, in every way we can – we want the defendant and his products off our streets,” said Stollsteimer.
On Sunday, May 8, 2022, members of the Media Fire Company and Media Borough Police Department were dispatched to Pompei State Street Sandwiches at 301 W. State Street shortly before noon for a report of a fire alarm. The fire company and police began a search of the building in an effort to discover the source of the alarm. The landlord arrived on the scene and assisted first responders in obtaining access to the apartments and the basement. Upon knocking at the defendant’s door the responders received no answer. They then entered the apartment and found it in disarray with trash and litter throughout. The responders also saw a body, and their initial impression that the individual was deceased. Fire responders also saw paraphernalia which suggested that the premises might be a methamphetamine lab in the apartment.
Sergeant Brown and Lieutenant Egan of the Media Police then entered the apartment and spoke with the occupant, defendant Neithammer, who was very pale and sweating profusely. The officers located the smoke detector that was the source of the initial alarm and, in doing so, they observed metal working equipment and various gun-making and drug paraphernalia. In addition, the bathroom contained several large bottles , one of which had a hose sticking out of it. A search warrant was obtained for the premises, and among the items seized were two ghost guns, both with silencers attached, two pistols, a vial containing suspected meth, cocaine, and numerous 3D printed handgun magazines and silencers. The apartment also contained gun manufacturing machines including a 3D printer, lathes, drill presses, sanders, and saws.
In the course of their search, officers observed numerous bullet holes in the doors, ceilings and planks of wood littered throughout the apartment. Spent casings were also found throughout the apartment.
“This arrest started with a call about a smoke detector and – thanks to the excellent work by the members of Media Fire Company and the Media Borough Police Department, the community was protected from an extremely dangerous situation. I am enormously grateful to Media Borough Police Chief Martin Wusinich, and to each of the first responders who assisted with this investigation. Thanks are also due to the Criminal Investigation Division Detectives Brian Alexander, who was called in to assist when explosives were suspected, and Sergeant Anthony Ruggieri. This case is emblematic of the spirit of cooperation and collaboration in the law enforcement and first responder community that helps to keep Delaware County residents safe,” said DA Stollsteimer.
The defendant was arraigned and was committed to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in lieu of bail set at $200,000 (10 %). A preliminary hearing is scheduled in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrew Goldberg.
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.