Queens Man Pleads Guilty To New Jersey Drug Trafficking Crimes

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 11:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEWARK, NJ.- A 61-year-old Queens, New York, man will be facing up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty last Friday to possessing and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin in New Jersey.

     According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, on Friday, May 2, 2025, Donovan Elliot, 61, of Queens, New York, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Claire C. Cecchi to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.

     Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Cecchi accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for September 16, 2025, in Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey. At that time, Elliot faces up to 20 years in federal prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Elliot’s prior criminal history.

According To Documents Filed With The District Court

     According to charging documents filed with the District Court, during a federal investigation into Elliot’s drug trafficking activities, Federal Agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Securities Investigations observed Elliot conduct narcotics sales involving large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and fentanyl-laced heroin.

     During the course of the investigation, Federal Agents obtained and executed a court-authorized search warrant at Elliot’s Queens, New York home. During the search, Federal Agents located and seized a considerable quantity of methamphetamine, as well as a firearm and ammunition.

     In total, Elliot’s crime involved over three kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 500 grams of fentanyl-laced heroin, and more than 260 grams of fentanyl.