A Reno man named James Raymond Ellis, also known as “Jimbo,” has received a 10-year prison sentence for distributing a significant amount of methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by United States District Chief Judge Miranda M. Du and will be followed by five years of supervised release. Ellis, 53, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in December of 2022. According to court documents, between May and June of 2021, Ellis sold over four pounds of methamphetamine and five firearms, including an AR-15, to confidential informants. On August 20, 2021, law enforcement seized approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine from Ellis’ residence. He was then arrested by the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force. The case was investigated by the task force, which consists of members from various law enforcement agencies.
Background Information
Case Overview
In a recent case in Reno, Nevada, a man named James Raymond Ellis, also known as “Jimbo,” was sentenced to 10 years in prison for dealing a large amount of methamphetamine. The sentencing was carried out by United States District Chief Judge Miranda M. Du. Ellis pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Defendant Information
James Raymond Ellis, 53, was the defendant in this case. He was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and was found to have sold over 4 pounds of the drug between May and June 2021. Ellis also sold 5 firearms, including an AR-15, to confidential informants.
Law Enforcement Involvement
Law enforcement agencies were heavily involved in the investigation of this case. The Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, Reno Police Department, Nevada State Police, Nevada Gaming Control Board, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Department of Corrections, played a crucial role in apprehending Ellis and gathering evidence against him.
Previous Convictions
James Raymond Ellis had a prior felony conviction in Nevada for possession of a chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance. This previous conviction made him prohibited by law from possessing firearms.
Prosecutors and Investigation
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case against James Raymond Ellis. The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The OCDETF program aims to identify, disrupt, and dismantle high-level criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking.
Sentencing Details
Sentencing Decision
James Raymond Ellis was sentenced to 10 years in prison by United States District Chief Judge Miranda M. Du. The judge determined this sentence after considering the severity of Ellis’ drug trafficking activities and his prior felony conviction.
Prison Sentence
Ellis’ prison sentence of 10 years reflects the seriousness of the crime he committed. This significant prison term serves as a deterrent to others involved in drug trafficking and emphasizes the consequences of engaging in such illegal activities.
Supervised Release
In addition to the prison sentence, Ellis will also be subject to five years of supervised release. This period of supervision aims to ensure that Ellis adheres to the conditions set by the court and reintegrates into society in a lawful manner after serving his prison term.
Drug Trafficking Operation
Quantity of Methamphetamine Sold
James Raymond Ellis was responsible for the sale of a substantial amount of methamphetamine. Between May and June 2021, he sold over 4 pounds of the drug to confidential informants. This large quantity indicates the scale of his drug trafficking operation.
Firearm Trafficking
In addition to methamphetamine, Ellis also engaged in firearm trafficking. He sold 5 firearms, including an AR-15, to confidential informants. This involvement in the illegal trade of firearms further compounds the severity of his criminal activities.
Confidential Informants
Confidential informants played a crucial role in gathering evidence against James Raymond Ellis. They provided valuable information regarding Ellis’ drug and firearm trafficking activities, which ultimately led to his arrest and conviction.
Method of Distribution
The exact method of distribution employed by Ellis in his drug trafficking operation was not specified in the available information. However, his interaction with confidential informants suggests that he may have utilized a network or connections to facilitate the sale of methamphetamine and firearms.
Seizure and Arrest
Methamphetamine Seizure
On August 20, 2021, law enforcement seized approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine from James Raymond Ellis’ residence. This significant seizure highlights the magnitude of Ellis’ involvement in drug trafficking and the potential harm it posed to the community.
Arrest Details
The Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force arrested James Raymond Ellis on August 20, 2021, in Reno. The arrest was carried out following the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine from his residence.
Firearm Possession
When Ellis was taken into custody, law enforcement discovered a 9mm pistol in his vehicle. This discovery further substantiated his involvement in firearm trafficking and reinforced his prohibited possession of firearms due to his prior felony conviction.
Legal Repercussions
Prohibited Possession of Firearms
Due to his prior felony conviction for possession of a chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, James Raymond Ellis was prohibited by law from possessing firearms. The discovery of a 9mm pistol during his arrest served as evidence of his violation of this prohibition.
Criminal Charges
James Raymond Ellis pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. This criminal charge encompasses his involvement in the trafficking of methamphetamine and the sale of firearms.
Guilty Plea
Ellis voluntarily pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. This plea indicates his acknowledgment of the evidence against him and his acceptance of responsibility for his illegal activities.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force
The Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force played a significant role in investigating James Raymond Ellis’ drug and firearm trafficking operations. Comprised of members from various law enforcement agencies, this task force ensured the collaboration and coordination necessary to apprehend Ellis.
FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was involved in the investigation and arrest of James Raymond Ellis. Their expertise and resources contributed to the successful prosecution of the case.
Reno Police Department
The Reno Police Department actively participated in the investigation and arrest of James Raymond Ellis. Their efforts were instrumental in dismantling Ellis’ drug trafficking operation and ensuring community safety.
Nevada State Police
The Nevada State Police played a vital role in gathering evidence against James Raymond Ellis. Their involvement enhanced the effectiveness of the investigation and supported successful prosecution.
Nevada Gaming Control Board
The Nevada Gaming Control Board, as part of the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force, collaborated with other law enforcement agencies to bring down the drug and firearm trafficking operations conducted by James Raymond Ellis. Their efforts focused on ensuring the security and integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office contributed to the investigation of James Raymond Ellis’ criminal activities. Their collaboration within the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force exemplifies the collective effort to combat drug and firearm trafficking in the region.
Carson City Sheriff’s Office
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office was actively involved in the apprehension and investigation of James Raymond Ellis. Their cooperation with other law enforcement agencies strengthened the case against Ellis and contributed to his conviction.
Nevada Department of Corrections
The Nevada Department of Corrections participated in the investigation and arrest of James Raymond Ellis. Their involvement highlights their commitment to public safety and their efforts to prevent crime within the state.
Prosecution of the Case
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case against James Raymond Ellis. Her expertise in criminal law and dedication to justice ensured a thorough and effective prosecution.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
The investigation and prosecution of James Raymond Ellis were part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The OCDETF program targets high-level criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. This multi-agency approach combines intelligence and prosecutorial expertise to dismantle these criminal organizations.
OCDETF Operation Overview
The OCDETF operation that resulted in the prosecution of James Raymond Ellis aimed to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. This operation utilized intelligence-driven strategies and coordination among multiple law enforcement agencies to achieve its objectives.
Impact of the Case
Disrupting Drug Trafficking Operations
The conviction and sentencing of James Raymond Ellis undoubtedly disrupted his drug trafficking operations. By apprehending Ellis and dismantling his network, law enforcement successfully disrupted the flow of illegal drugs into the community, thereby protecting public safety.
Preventing Availability of Methamphetamine
James Raymond Ellis’ involvement in the distribution of a large amount of methamphetamine posed a significant risk to the community. By arresting Ellis and seizing a substantial quantity of the drug, law enforcement prevented its further distribution and reduced its availability in the area.
Protecting Community Safety
The successful prosecution of James Raymond Ellis contributes to community safety by removing a dangerous individual involved in drug and firearm trafficking from the streets. This case serves as a deterrent to others engaged in similar criminal activities and sends a clear message that law enforcement is committed to protecting the community.
Related Cases
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Two Las Vegas Men Indicted in Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
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Contact Information
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada
For more information or inquiries related to this case, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force
For further details about the Northern Nevada Safe Streets Task Force and their ongoing efforts to combat drug and firearm trafficking, please refer to their official contact information.