Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Meth, Fentanyl, and Heroin in Federal Case

Donovan Elliot, 61, admitted to distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin, with sentencing scheduled for September in New Jersey.

A Queens Village, New York, man pleaded guilty in federal court in Newark to drug trafficking charges involving multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and fentanyl-laced heroin, federal prosecutors announced.

Donovan Elliot, 61, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to a charge of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The charge, filed via an Information, is part of a broader investigation into Elliot’s narcotics trafficking activities conducted by agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to court documents and statements made during the plea hearing, law enforcement observed Elliot carrying out drug transactions involving significant quantities of methamphetamine and opioids. A search of Elliot’s residence yielded over three kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately 500 grams of fentanyl-laced heroin, and more than 260 grams of fentanyl. Agents also discovered a firearm and ammunition during the search.

The offense carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Elliot is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16, 2025.

The investigation was led by HSI Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Stern of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit based in Newark.

Elliot’s conviction highlights the continued federal focus on intercepting the distribution of synthetic opioids and related narcotics, substances that have fueled a public health crisis across the region, including in parts of northern New Jersey.