NASHVILLE – A federal court today handed down a 25-year prison sentence to Mark Ellis, a 30-year-old man from Clarksville, Tennessee, for his involvement in the sale of fentanyl while he was out on bond for state murder charges. The announcement was made by Henry C. Leventis, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Ellis faced a jury trial in May 2023, where he was convicted on multiple charges, including Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Sale of Fentanyl, Possession of over 400 grams of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm as a Convicted Felon. During the trial, evidence was presented showing Ellis sold a fentanyl mixture to a confidential informant in January 2022. At the time, he was out on bond for a first-degree murder indictment. The transaction also involved Ellis possessing a 9mm pistol.
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Further investigations led to the seizure of a pound of fentanyl from the home of one of Ellis’ family members in Clarksville following the execution of a search warrant. The trial also featured the playback of a recorded jailhouse conversation between Ellis and his co-conspirator, Yennifer Angeles, discussing plans to continue their drug trafficking operations despite Ellis’ incarceration. Angeles, who pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, received her sentence in August 2023.
Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. sentenced Ellis to 300 months in federal prison during a morning sentencing hearing. Ellis also faces pending murder charges in state criminal court in Clarksville.
United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis emphasized the commitment of his office to combatting the fentanyl crisis, stating, “Fentanyl continues to poison countless people throughout Middle Tennessee. Combating fentanyl trafficking is a top priority for this office, and we will continue to work aggressively to hold accountable those who deal this deadly drug. Today’s sentence should send a clear message that fentanyl dealers face serious consequences.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Clarksville Police Department, led the investigation into Ellis’ activities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire was responsible for prosecuting the case.
Source: Read Original Release