CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Detroit street toughs have thrown in the towel on their fentanyl conspiracy charges. Eric Jaeshon Ray, alias “Brody,” 31, and Franklin Fitzgerald Elly, alias “Costco,” 36, both of the Motor City, admitted their guilt today in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
Between May and July 2025, court documents reveal that Ray and Elly orchestrated a fentanyl distribution ring targeting St. Albans. Four times over a two-month span, Elly helped Ray pass out deadly doses to an informant, the papers allege. The duo’s crime spree came to a halt when federal agents swooped in.
Now, both men face a minimum sentence of five years behind bars, with a maximum of 40 years hanging over their heads. Supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million could also be part of the penalty for these life-ruining offenses.
The Assistant U.S. Attorney in charge of the case, Lisa G. Johnston, praised the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which includes local law enforcement agencies from across Kanawha County. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin oversaw the guilty pleas.
This case is a significant win for Operation Take Back America, an initiative that aims to dismantle cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime in our communities. Ray and Elly’s convictions are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement across the country.
For more information on this groundbreaking case, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia’s website or search PACER using Case No. 2:25-cr-128. Stay tuned as we continue to uncover and bring to justice those who threaten our neighborhoods with illegal drugs.
RELATED: Benton Harbor Gun & Meth Ringleader Gets 9 Years
RELATED: Lavante Brown Gets 10 Years for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Scheme
Related Federal Cases
- Detroit Drug Dealer Sentenced for Fentanyl Distribution in Huntington · Michigan
- Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution in Huntington · Michigan
- Cleveland Drug Dealer Gets 18-Year Sentence for Heroin, Fentanyl Distribution · West Virginia
- Beckley Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution · West Virginia
- Welch Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Crack Distribution · West Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
