MEDIA — District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and Folcroft Police Chief Bill Bair announced two felony arrests after an investigation into a report of a gunshot victim uncovered a straw purchased firearm. On Wednesday, Gaynell Noel-Warren, 31, of Folcroft, was charged with one count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Reckless Endangerment and Criminal Conspiracy, and related charges. Leslie Ford, 26, of Philadelphia, was charged with the Illegal Transfer of Firearms, Criminal Conspiracy, and Providing False Information, as well as related charges.
“There are 1,500 gun deaths in Pennsylvania per year, and this epidemic is fueled in part by straw purchasing,” said DA Stollsteimer. “A straw purchase is when one individual purchases a firearm for someone who is legally prohibited from buying one. It is important for all Delaware county residents to know that straw purchasing is a serious crime with serious consequences and puts us all in danger. I’m grateful for the strong collaboration between the our office and the Folcroft Police Department in making these arrests and taking an unlawful gun off the streets of our county.”
On July 25, 2020, Officer Kesser of the Folcroft Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim at 16 King Avenue, Folcroft. The gunshot victim was identified as Gaynell Noel- Warren. Investigation revealed that in the course of a physical altercation with another woman, Noel-Warren had drawn a gun and shot herself in the foot. A search warrant was obtained, and a gun case was recovered from Noel-Warren’s residence. The gun case had a serial number which was traced to a gun purchased by Leslie Ford in May 2020 from Targetmaster Gun Store in Chadds Ford. Further investigation revealed that the gun had been reported stolen out of Philadelphia on June 26. Interviews of both Ford and Noel-Warren were conducted, and Ford admitted that she had completed the paperwork to purchase the gun and had then given the gun to Noel-Warren in return for $100.
Gaynell Noel-Warren is a convicted felon who is prohibited from purchasing and possessing a firearm. Both defendants are affiliated with the Wheels of Soul motorcycle club, which is considered an “outlaw” motorcycle club by law enforcement.
“I want to commend the excellent work of the Officer Kesser and the Folcroft Police Department, as well as the contributions of Detective Dave Tyler of the Criminal Investigations Division. This case also required support from the Philadelphia Police Department, which was much appreciated,” stated DA Stollsteimer.
The defendants were arraigned on August 25, and bail was set 10% of $75,000. Neither defendant was able to post bail, and they are being held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for both defendants on September 3 before Judge Wendy Roberts.
The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigations Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity call to 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, Public Information Officer, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-579-0429.