Rex Jenkins, Interstate Fentanyl Trafficking, West Virginia 2025

Rex Jenkins, Interstate Fentanyl Trafficking, West Virginia 2025

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – In a major blow to the state's opioid epidemic, two men were sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that stretched from Philadelphia to Detroit to Morgantown, West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced the sentencing of Rex Jenkins, 34, of Southfield, Michigan, and James Elli, 43, of Point Marion, Pennsylvania.

Rex Jenkins was sentenced to 124 months in federal prison after a jury convicted him in March 2025 of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking. James Elli was sentenced to 79 months in federal prison for his role in the drug trafficking operation. The two men were part of a larger drug trafficking operation based in Philadelphia that was selling methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Morgantown.

The investigation revealed that Jenkins and Elli were responsible for trafficking more than 43 grams of fentanyl, 126 grams of methamphetamine, and over four grams of cocaine. The total amount of drugs seized in the operation was staggering, with over 43 grams of fentanyl, 126 grams of methamphetamine, and over four grams of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the federal government to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/dismantling-interstate-drug-trafficking-operation-sends-two-prison