Jack H. Schick

Man Denied Privilege of Attending Church



Posted: Friday, September 02, 2011

by Jack H. Schick

All Anthony A. Dennis Sr, 39, of Thames Drive in Montgomery Township, PA, asks is that he be permitted a few of the privileges most Americans take for granted.  He wants to be able to start is new job so he can support his family.  He wants to be able to mow his lawn, to sit in his backyard, to walk down to the end of his driveway and pick up his mail.  He wants to be able to go to his doctor’s and lawyer’s offices, and he wants to be able to go to church.  Dennis is currently free on $1 million bond on charges that he was the head of a cocaine drug ring.  Judge Thomas C. Branca reduced his bond from $2 million, but ordered Dennis confined to his home under electronically monitored house arrest.

Through his attorney, A. Charles Peruto Jr, Dennis has petitioned the court for these “limited” privileges. Peruto argues that his client is presumed innocent and has strong ties to the community. He claims that while Mrs. Dennis owns and operates a hair salon, and their son has a job and attends Temple University, Mr. Dennis is still considered the prime wage earned of the family and should be allowed to accept a job offer he has to continue to support his family until the trial. Peruto calls Dennis a “hard-working tax payer.” The petition also states that Dennis and his family are longtime members of ENON Baptist Church in Cheltenham. Mr. Dennis usually attends the 10am to 12:30pm services on Sunday.  He also attends bible study from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday nights.

A three year, multi-jurisdiction drug investigation into cocaine trafficking in Montgomery, Chester and Philadelphia Counties climaxed in May.  Anthony Dennis and his 34 year old brother, Michael Dennis of Philadelphia, were among 27 suspects arrested.  Authorities claim that the two Dennis brothers headed the drug operation. As a Chester County investigation of the “Heads Up” barbershop that Anthony Dennis operated proceeded, more and more law enforcement agencies joined the effort.  The investigation began in 2008, and over the years, surveillance was carried out and wiretaps were ordered on phones used by the Dennis brothers and others involved.

The investigation culminated on May 18, 2011, when Anthony Dennis “allegedly” met with a supplier in Philadelphia to purchase cocaine to fill clients’ orders.  Authorities seized 9 ounces of cocaine from the supplier and $9,200 in cash from Dennis’ vehicle.  On the same day, 72 law enforcement officers conducted 21 simultaneous raids across the region.  They seized four pounds of cocaine with a street value estimated at $204,800; 14 vehicles; a fishing boat; three handguns (including a MAC 10.45 caliber hand gun); four shotguns; five rifles, and two bulletproof vests.

Anthony Dennis, who lives with his wife of 22 years, an adult son and an elementary school daughter at their comfortable home in Montgomery Township, waived his formal arraignment and pleaded “not guilty” to all charges against him.  He was released from the county prison on August 2ndafter producing $100,000 bail.  The judge has not yet scheduled a hearing on Peruto’s petition. It’s hoped the court will find favorably so that Mr. Dennis can start living a more normal life again soon.  He is “allegedly” sorely missed at the Tuesday night bible study.
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