Two defendants pleaded guilty to federal murder and racketeering charges in connection with a March 2020 shooting of a Philadelphia SWAT officer. According to news reports, the defendants, Hassan Elliott and Khalif Sears, were together in a “stash house” where illegal drugs were being held when a Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team attempted to arrest Elliott in connection with a 2019 murder. Elliott fired a dozen shots through a wall as the SWAT officers climbed an interior staircase. SWAT Corporal James O'Connor IV was struck in the neck and arm and was pronounced dead after being taken to a nearby hospital.

Federal murder and racketeering charges are some of the most serious criminal charges anyone can face. Sentences can be as severe as life in prison or, in the most serious of murder cases, the death penalty. If you are facing criminal charges for murder or racketeering, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team has that experience and is ready to defend you against the kinds of criminal charges that could have you spending decades or longer behind bars. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help.

The Charges Against Elliott and Sears

According to prosecutors, Elliott and Sears were members of a “violent drug trafficking organization” that went by the name of “1700 Scattergood” and sold large quantities of narcotics in the Frankford section of Northeast Philadelphia. They allegedly used violence and threats of violence to further their drug sales in their territory. Prosecutors claimed that as part of their ongoing drug trafficking efforts, they killed several victims in 2018 and 2019.

Philadelphia police were attempting to arrest Elliott in connection with one of those murders when Elliott, who was with Sears at the time, fired a semi-automatic assault rifle 16 times, striking and killing Cpl. O'Connor (who was posthumously promoted to Sergeant).

Both Elliott and Sears were apprehended after the murder of Sgt. O'Connor, along with two other defendants. All were charged with Sgt. O'Connor's murder, as well as drug trafficking and firearms offenses. They also faced a slew of racketeering charges, weapons-related charges, and drug-related charges. While Elliott and Sears entered guilty pleas to numerous charges (Elliott to 25 counts, Sears to 10 counts), the other two defendants have not entered pleas and, as of this writing, are scheduled to stand trial in late February 2025.

When Facing Serious Criminal Charges, the LLF Law Firm Can Help

If you are facing criminal charges that could land you in prison for decades or even the rest of your life, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. From the moment of your arrest, every court proceeding in your criminal case, every piece of paper that is filed, and every motion that is made is critical to your future. You need an attorney who understands the laws, rules, and procedures that apply in these cases, someone who can protect your rights and vigorously defend you against the charges you face.

The LLF Law Firm has years of experience defending clients facing all types of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to felonies, at both the state and federal levels. We have the experience you need when you're facing these kinds of charges. The sooner you call us, the sooner we begin working on your defense. We can be reached at 888.535.3686 or by using our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. When the rest of your life is on the line, the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team is there for you.