A Johnstown, Pennsylvania resident has admitted guilt in a federal court to charges related to narcotics trafficking. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Azheem Ellis, aged 49, confessed to Count One of the Superseding Indictment before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. The court was informed that between April 2019 and July 2021, Ellis conspired with others in the Western District of Pennsylvania to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, as well as heroin, cocaine, and crack. Ellis was identified as a target in a federal wiretap operation and was intercepted acquiring quantities of drugs for distribution.
Judge Horan has set the sentencing date for July 24, 2025. According to law provisions, Ellis faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison along with a potential fine reaching $5 million. The final sentence will be determined based on the severity of the offense and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is handling the prosecution on behalf of the government.
The investigation leading to Ellis's prosecution involved several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations. Other participating agencies included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Inspection Service; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Pennsylvania State Police; Cambria County District Attorney’s Office; Indiana County District Attorney’s Office; Cambria County Sheriff’s Office; Cambria Township Police Department; Indiana Borough Police Department; Johnstown Police Department; Upper Yoder Township Police Department; Richland Police Department; Ferndale Police Department among other local law enforcement bodies.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation which aims at identifying and dismantling major drug traffickers and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across various levels of law enforcement.