Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew James Elsea, 43, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of fentanyl.
Elsea pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents, Elsea was working with others to sell fentanyl in Berkeley County.
Elsea faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the matter.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.