RENO, Nev. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Reno man for allegedly distributing a large amount of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to allegations in court documents, on August 16, 2021, James Raymond Ellis (51, also known as “Jimbo”) distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Several days later, on August 20, Ellis possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. In addition, Ellis possessed a 9mm pistol after having been previously convicted in Nevada for possession of a chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, which is a felony. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms. The Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force arrested Ellis on August 20 in Reno.
Ellis is charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. His initial court appearance is scheduled for August 30, 2021 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carla L. Baldwin. If convicted, Ellis faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of members from the FBI, Reno Police Department, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Nevada Gaming Control Board, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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