A Goldsboro drug trafficker has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for conspiracy and trafficking significant amounts of methamphetamine. The sentencing follows the conviction of Tamarcus Shaquan Ellis, 34, by a federal jury on charges related to methamphetamine distribution. The severe sentence was influenced by Ellis's prior criminal history and his connection to the murder and dismemberment of a confidential informant during the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. commented on the case, stating: “We won’t tolerate drug traffickers using violence, surveillance, and intimidation to dodge accountability and undermine the safety and dignity of American communities.” He further added that Ellis's involvement in large-scale trafficking and his ties to a "gruesome murder" resulted in his lengthy imprisonment.
Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), remarked on the outcome: “The level of violence uncovered in this investigation was disturbing and bringing an end to this network of drugs, crime, and intimidation was a top priority.”
Goldsboro Police Chief Michael West also noted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies: “The successful federal prosecution of this dangerous individual demonstrates the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to protect our community from violence and the devastation caused by drugs.”
The investigation into Ellis began as part of an operation targeting crystal methamphetamine dealers in Goldsboro and Jacksonville in early 2021. Over several months, investigators used a confidential source to make controlled purchases from Ellis’s organization. As other traffickers were apprehended in February and March 2021, Ellis employed low-level associates for drug deliveries while he conducted counter-surveillance.
Evidence presented during sentencing detailed Ellis’s involvement in disposing of the body of a confidential informant. Video footage showed a white Ford Ranger pickup truck linked to Ellis transporting what appeared to be a woman's torso wrapped in a tarp before setting it on fire. Further searches led to discoveries linking him directly to these crimes.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks through cooperation between various law enforcement agencies.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the sentence after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan delivered it. The ATF and Goldsboro Police Department led investigations with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Duffy and Evelyn Yarborough prosecuting.