Earlier today in Brooklyn federal court, Elijah Morales was sentenced to 158 months in prison for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of an individual referred to as “John Doe.” The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, and New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced the sentencing.
“Far too many people have died tragically from the scourge of fentanyl and other illicit drugs,” said United States Attorney Nocella. “While nothing can bring back this or the other countless victims, hopefully today’s outcome can send a strong message to would-be fentanyl dealers that can save future lives.”
Special Agent in Charge Patel stated, “The defendant's actions were nothing short of reprehensible — peddling a deadly poison, watching his victim succumb to its effects, and then callously delaying lifesaving aid while attempting to cover up his crime. This case exemplifies the devastating consequences of fentanyl distribution and the calculated cruelty of those who profit from it. Together with our partners from the NYPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, we will not rest until we dismantle these criminal networks and bring justice to the families devastated by their greed and cruelty.”
NYPD Commissioner Tisch commented: “Elijah Morales allegedly distributed dangerous fentanyl, prioritized drug profits over people’s safety, and flooded our city with his poison. With a chance to save the life of someone overdosing, Morales chose to save himself, delaying a life-or-death call to 911 to cover up his crimes. I would like to thank our NYPD investigators and partners at HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in removing this individual off our streets.”
According to court filings, on June 21, 2023 at about 4:00 a.m., an anonymous caller later identified as Morales contacted 911 claiming he found John Doe unconscious in a stairwell at his grandmother’s apartment building in Brooklyn. Morales told dispatchers he had gone out for a cigarette when he saw John Doe lying next to a staircase inside the building.
Emergency personnel arrived soon after but could not revive John Doe; medical examiners determined acute fentanyl intoxication as the cause of death.
Investigators discovered that Morales lied during his 911 call. Evidence showed he had sold narcotics to John Doe around 2:20 a.m., nearly two hours before contacting emergency services and three hours before John Doe was pronounced dead. Surveillance footage captured both individuals engaging in what appeared to be a drug transaction at that time.
Further investigation revealed that after John Doe lost consciousness in the stairwell, Morales delayed calling for help by about an hour while cleaning evidence related to his drug sale from the scene. Surveillance videos documented Morales repeatedly entering and exiting his apartment between roughly 3:15 a.m. and just after 4:00 a.m., collecting items from around where John Doe lay unresponsive.
At approximately 3:54 a.m., surveillance footage showed Morales picking up what appeared consistent with a bag used earlier during delivery of drugs before returning inside.
Morales eventually called emergency services at around 4:07 a.m., falsely claiming ignorance regarding John Doe’s identity or circumstances.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Sherman from the Office’s Public Integrity Section.
Morales is listed as being age 24 and residing in Brooklyn.
