A Queens Village, New York man pleaded guilty Friday in Newark federal court to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Donovan Elliot, 61, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to a single count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The plea resolves a case that stemmed from an investigation by federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Federal authorities said Elliot was observed conducting narcotics transactions involving multiple types of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin. Investigators later executed a search warrant at Elliot’s residence in Queens, where they recovered narcotics, a firearm, and ammunition.
In total, the offense involved more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 500 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, and more than 260 grams of fentanyl alone, according to court documents and statements made during the hearing.
Elliot faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on September 16.
Homeland Security agents led narcotics investigation
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited special agents of HSI Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, for leading the investigation. Elliot’s activities, according to officials, crossed jurisdictional lines and involved the trafficking of substances known to drive overdose deaths and public health risks across the region.
Federal officials did not disclose whether Elliot was believed to have operated independently or as part of a broader drug distribution network. The firearm recovered during the search is also being reviewed as part of sentencing considerations.
Elliot remains in federal custody pending sentencing. No additional charges or co-defendants were announced in relation to the case.
Authorities said Elliot’s guilty plea marks the conclusion of a case involving some of the most lethal narcotics trafficked in the U.S.
A Queens man faces up to two decades behind bars after admitting to trafficking deadly opioids and meth across state lines.