Local Man Sentenced For Conspiracy Cocaine Distribution

A Washington man who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to distribute cocaine charge will spend the next seven years in jail. Patrick Ellis, 49 of Washington was convicted in federal court of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. According to court testimony, the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police began an investigation of a drug trafficking organization in November of 2019 of which Ellis was a member. Beginning in April of 2020 the FBI began a wiretap investigation where Ellis was heard discussing the distribution of cocaine. Seized from the organization was cocaine, heroin-fentanyl mixtures, firearms and cash. Agents seized two kilograms of cocaine from Ellis. After the seven year prison term, Ellis will be on four years of supervised release.