Detroit Drug Dealers Plead Guilty To Trafficking Fentanyl In West Virginia

Thursday, September 4, 2025, 7:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

CHARLESTON, W.VA.- On Tuesday, two Detroit, Michigan, men learned they will be facing up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced later this year, after pleading guilty to a federal drug trafficking conspiracy.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Eric Jaeshon Ray, also known as “Brody,” 31, and Franklin Fitzgerald Elly, also known as “Costco,” 36, both of Detroit, Michigan, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams or More of a Substance Containing a Controlled Substance, Fentanyl.

Both Men Are Facing Up To 40 Years When Sentenced

     Following entering their guilty pleas on Tuesday, Judge Goodwin accepted the pleas and scheduled sentencing for December 15, 2025. At that time, both Ray and Elly face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 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 offenses and the prior criminal histories of Ray and Elly.

According To Charging Information Filed With The Court

     According to the charging information filed and statements made in the District Court, beginning on or about May 2025, and lasting through July 2025, Ray and Elly conspired together and with others to distribute fentanyl within the St. Albans area of Kanawha County, West Virginia. During an investigation, on four occasions between May and June 2025, Elly assisted Ray in distributing a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in St. Albans as part of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

     Acting U.S. Attorney Johnston commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team for the arrests and Tuesday’s guilty pleas by Ray and Elly.