Marc H. Silverman, the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, along with Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw, announced a federal indictment of a Stamford man. Samuel Elie, 48, has been charged with narcotics distribution and ammunition possession offenses by a grand jury in Bridgeport.
The indictment was returned on April 3, 2025. Elie appeared in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty. He remains detained following his arrest on state charges on January 22, 2025.
Allegations indicate law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases of fentanyl from Elie in December 2024 and January 2025. On January 22, 2025, authorities reportedly found Elie with about 142 grams of fentanyl, 212 grams of cocaine, and 50 rounds of ammunition.
It is also claimed Elie has a criminal history of felony convictions for firearm, drug, robbery, and other offenses. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing firearms or ammunition that have been transported through interstate or foreign commerce.
Elie faces charges of three counts for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, each carrying a maximum 20-year imprisonment term. Additionally, there is a charge for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, with a mandatory minimum five-year imprisonment and up to 40 years. Elie also faces a charge for unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of 15 years.
Silverman emphasized, “An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary G. Vitale is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Operation Take Back America initiative, coordinated by the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and reduce violent crime in communities. The Operation involves resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and the Project Safe Neighborhood.
