Akron Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distribution of Carfentanil That Caused Death

DOJ Press

Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Ellis J. Wilson, 27, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today by Judge Dan Aaron Polster to 20 years in prison after Wilson pleaded guilty to distribution or carfentanil with an enhanced penalty, distribution of carfentanil and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

According to court documents, on April 16, 2019, Wilson agreed to provide an individual identified as “J.N.” with a quantity of heroin through a third party.  Wilson then provided J.N. with a substance that contained a detectable amount of carfentanil.  J.N. later ingested this substance, overdosed and died of carfentanil toxicity.

Additionally, on several occasions in May of 2019, Wilson provided a confidential source with the Summit County Drug Unit a similar substance containing a detectable amount of carfentanil.  On May 23, 2019, law enforcement officers searched a residence belonging to Wilson and obtained carfentanil, heroin and multiple items used in the preparation of drug distribution, including a digital scale, plastic baggies, cutting agents, a blender with powder residue and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.

Wilson pleaded guilty in July of 2021 to a penalty enhancement due to the death resulting from his distribution of the carfentanil mixture to J.N.


This case was investigated by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office with assistance provided by the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel.


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