NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — Montgomery County prosecutors have charged multiple people accused of operating an organized criminal enterprise known as “ARP,” or “Always Running Plays,” alleging the group carried out kidnappings, robberies, extortion schemes, straw purchases and firearms trafficking activities across the region.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Lower Merion Superintendent of Police Andrew J. Block announced the charges Thursday against Daquine Owens, 29; Ajahnae Owens, 31; Aysir Bond, 23; Najwa Owens, 46; Gregory Johnson, 25; and Keith Cirwithen-Howell, 29.
According to investigators, the case began on June 27, 2026, after a kidnapping and robbery that originated in the parking lot of a LongHorn Steakhouse in Bala Cynwyd.
Prosecutors and Lower Merion police said a man was lured to the location through an online communication by someone posing as a 17-year-old girl. When he arrived, authorities allege three masked men wearing body armor, later identified as Daquine Owens, Bond and Cirwithen-Howell, claimed to be law enforcement officers, handcuffed him and forced him into a vehicle.
Investigators said the men took the victim’s phone and wallet, accessed his financial accounts and transferred money to accounts controlled by members of the organization. Authorities allege more than $54,000 was stolen before the victim was returned to the restaurant parking lot and released.
“You would think, this is right here on City Avenue, like this would not be happening in such a bright, high volume traffic location,” said Joy G. of Lower Merion.
Detectives said the investigation revealed the June incident was not isolated. Authorities allege ARP members carried out violent kidnappings, robberies and extortion schemes dating back to at least 2024.
Investigators said members of the organization targeted at least one other victim through a similar scheme and extorted more than $100,000 over an extended period. In another incident, prosecutors allege a victim was lured to a meeting over an alleged debt, where one member wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck while others threatened the person with a firearm.
“It’s just horrible to know people are out here taking advantage of people and causing harm,” said Bala Cynwyd resident Justis Gerald.
As the investigation expanded, detectives said they also uncovered evidence of a straw-purchasing and gun-trafficking operation centered on Daquine Owens, who is prohibited from possessing firearms under Pennsylvania and federal law because of prior felony convictions. Investigators allege Ajahnae Owens purchased numerous firearms between 2021 and 2025, including handguns, rifles and a Draco-style firearm, and that Daquine Owens later possessed many of those weapons. During a search of the Owens residence on July 2, detectives recovered seven firearms, along with ammunition and magazines. Authorities said five of those firearms had been purchased by Ajahnae Owens.
Detectives also allege firearms purchased in Pennsylvania were transported across state lines. The investigation found that shortly after Ajahnae Owens purchased a Glock pistol and a Draco-style firearm in August 2025, Daquine Owens and Bond traveled to South Florida while in possession of those firearms, according to prosecutors.
Authorities further allege that proceeds from robberies and extortion schemes were used to purchase firearms, fund trips to destinations including Florida and Cancun, rent luxury vehicles, charter yachts, buy jewelry and luxury watches, and purchase designer clothing and other high-end items.
Investigators said they recovered communications in which members of the organization boasted that the purchases and trips were funded using money obtained from victims. Much of that lifestyle was shared on social media, according to investigators.
“It’s just simply people want attention these days and how you get attention is by doing wild ridiculous crazy things and sometimes that can be at the peril of other people,” Gerald said.
All defendants are charged with corrupt organizations offenses and related crimes. Daquine Owens, Bond, Cirwithen-Howell and Johnson additionally face kidnapping, robbery, theft by extortion and related charges. Daquine Owens and Ajahnae Owens are also charged with firearms-trafficking offenses. Najwa Owens is additionally charged with receiving stolen property, criminal use of a communication facility and related offenses.
Daquine Owens and Ajahnae Owens were arrested in Delaware on Oct. 5. Daquine Owens was extradited to Montgomery County on Oct. 7 and was arraigned with bail set at $2 million cash. He remains in custody. Ajahnae Owens is awaiting extradition.
Cirwithen-Howell surrendered to authorities on Oct. 5 and was held on $99,000 cash bail. Johnson and Najwa Owens were arrested Sept. 30. Bond remains wanted, and an arrest warrant has been issued for him.
A preliminary hearing for the defendants in custody is scheduled for Oct. 19 before Magisterial District Judge Patrick O. Krouse.
The investigation involved the Montgomery County Detective Bureau Violent Crimes Unit, Lower Merion Township Police Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Gun Violence Task Force, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives, and Dover Police Department in Delaware.
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