Man pleads guilty to drug, weapons counts

A 22-year-old Philadelphia man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal district court to drug-trafficking charges and to bringing an AK-47 assault rifle to protect himself and his brother during a drug deal.

Jordan Hobson told U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson he was pleading guilty because he wanted to "take responsibility" for his criminal acts.

Hobson, who faces a mandatory minimum 15 years behind bars, has also agreed to cooperate with the feds. If prosecutors ask the judge at sentencing to grant leniency based on his cooperation, Baylson could give Hobson a sentence below the mandatory minimum.

Authorities said Hobson and his older brother, Joshua, 23, drove in separate vehicles to the area of 80th Street and Ogontz Avenue on July 23, 2008, so they could buy 86.5 grams of crack to resell.

Jordan had an AK-47 assault rifle with 25 live rounds in the back seat of his idling vehicle to protect him and his brother, authorities said.

Jordan Hobson paid his brother $200 to be a lookout during the drug transaction, prosecutors said.

During the transaction, Joshua waited by his vehicle while his brother bought the crack. Jordan then came to Joshua's car and placed a sandwich bag filled with more than 86 grams of crack inside Joshua's vehicle.

The crack had a street value of about $24,000, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Shortly after a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing a man with a gun, Philadelphia cops arrived at the scene.

Authorities said Jordan Hobson fled on foot but was soon apprehended. After their arrest on state drug charges in July 2008, the brothers were subsequently released after posting bail.

Joshua Hobson pleaded guilty Monday to federal drug conspiracy, distribution and possession charges. He has also agreed to cooperate with the government.

Baylson set sentencing for both Hobsons in November.