NEW BERN, N.C. — A federal jury on Monday convicted Tamarcus Shaquan Ellis, 34, of Goldsboro, on three methamphetamine trafficking charges. Ellis, a key figure in a drug trafficking organization, could face life in prison when sentenced in December.
Court records show that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Ellis in early 2021 as part of an effort to target crystal methamphetamine dealers in Goldsboro and Jacksonville. By March 2021, authorities shifted focus to Ellis’ organization after dismantling several high-level methamphetamine traffickers.
During the investigation, agents used a confidential source to conduct controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Ellis’ organization. Evidence presented at trial showed that Ellis avoided direct involvement in the drug sales, using underlings to handle the transactions while he monitored from nearby.
Ellis was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as two counts of distributing 5 grams or more.
The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which aims to dismantle major drug traffickers and criminal organizations in the United States.