U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. | U.S. Department of Justice
A Goldsboro drug trafficker, Tamarcus Shaquan Ellis, was sentenced to 480 months in prison for conspiracy and trafficking methamphetamine. His sentence is linked to his involvement in the murder, dismemberment, and disposal of a confidential informant. On August 29, 2024, Ellis was convicted by a federal jury on charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., stated: “We won’t tolerate drug traffickers using violence, surveillance, and intimidation to dodge accountability and undermine the safety and dignity of American communities.” He added that Ellis's actions led to his lengthy prison term.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims commented on the case: “The level of violence uncovered in this investigation was disturbing.” Mims emphasized that removing such threats from the community was a priority.
Goldsboro Police Chief Michael West highlighted law enforcement's commitment: “The successful federal prosecution of this dangerous individual demonstrates the unwavering commitment of law enforcement.”
Court documents reveal that ATF investigated Ellis as part of an operation targeting methamphetamine dealers in early 2021. Investigators used a confidential source for controlled purchases from Ellis’s organization during Spring 2021. Evidence showed that Ellis avoided direct involvement by using underlings for transactions while monitoring nearby.
Prosecutors presented evidence at sentencing about Ellis's role in disposing of the body of the confidential source used against him. The woman's torso was found set on fire on May 24, 2021. Surveillance footage implicated Ellis in transporting and burning the body.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks threatening the U.S., involving collaboration between multiple agencies.
Michael F. Easley Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The ATF and Goldsboro Police Department investigated with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Duffy and Evelyn Yarborough prosecuting.
