Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, along with Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw, announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has issued a five-count indictment against Stamford resident Samuel Elie. Elie, age 48, faces charges related to narcotics distribution and ammunition possession.
The indictment was issued on April 3, 2025. Elie appeared in Hartford federal court, pleading not guilty to the charges. He has been in detention since his arrest on January 22, 2025, on related state charges.
Authorities allege that law enforcement conducted three controlled fentanyl purchases from Elie in December 2024 and January 2025. On January 22, 2025, Elie allegedly had approximately 142 grams of fentanyl, 212 grams of cocaine, and 50 rounds of ammunition in his possession.
Elie’s criminal record is said to include felony convictions for firearm, drug, robbery, and other offenses. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition that have crossed state or national borders.
The indictment charges Elie with three counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years. Another count pertains to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, which mandates a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years. He also faces one count of unlawful ammunition possession by a felon, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman emphasized the presumption of innocence for Elie, noting that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that charges remain allegations until proven otherwise.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary G. Vitale.
This prosecution is part of 'Operation Take Back America,' a Department of Justice initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguard communities from violent crime. The operation unifies efforts from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.