MMA Superhero ‘Phoenix Jones’ Arrested for Selling Drugs in Washington

Mixed martial artist Ben Fodor, who made national headlines for his crime-fighting superhero persona “Phoenix Jones," has been arrested for selling drugs in King County (Wash).

According to a report from KOMO News, Fodor faces multiple drug charges for allegedly selling Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or Molly. Fodor allegedly sold 7.1 grams of the substance to an undercover agent of the Seattle Police Department at a Starbucks. The agent had reportedly sent Fodor $300 through Venmo prior to the deal and then gave him another $200 in person. Arrangements were also in place for a future deal.

It took the agent another month to arrange a second deal with Fodor. The former fighter and his accomplice, Andrea Irene Berendsen, were arrested at the Silver Cloud Hotel after agreeing to meet the agent for a party. Upon the arrest, investigators found seven bundles of cocaine in the suspect’s possession.

Fodor and Berendsen were booked into the King County Jail on Jan. 10. Fodor was released on Jan. 11 and is scheduled for an arraignment on Feb. 3. Fodor’s criminal history includes six charges of driving with a suspended license since 2008. According to the report, the state is concerned that Fodor will not show up for future court dates, as he has skipped past hearings for the previous charges.

Fodor gained notoriety for his “Phoenix Jones” alter-ego, as he teamed up with other like-minded people in a group known as the Rain City Superhero Movement. “Phoenix Jones” was known to patrol the Seattle area fighting crime at night wearing a black-and-gold rubber costume. Fodor found motivation for the role after his friend was assaulted outside a night club and he was able to apply his MMA training by going after the person who initiated the attack.

The 31-year-old Fodor owns a 7-3-1 professional record and was last seen at CageSport 47 in October 2017, when he lost a unanimous decision to Austin Vanderford. He notably competed three times for World Series of Fighting, including a matchup with his brother, Caros Fodor, at WSOF 32 in July 2016.