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April 7, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shepherdstown Resident Entered Guilty Plea
To “Crack” Cocaine Charge

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — A 26 year old Shepherdstown, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty on April 2, 2009, in United States District Court in Martinsburg before Magistrate Judge David J. Joel.

United States Attorney Sharon L. Potter announced that MELVIN GARY ELLIS, JR. entered a plea of guilty to one count of an Information charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” on December 19, 2008, in Martinsburg. As part of his plea, ELLIS agreed to forfeit his right to a Ruger model P345 .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number also found in his possession.

ELLIS, who is currently in custody pending sentencing, faces a maximum penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,000.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Camilletti. The case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Martinsburg Police Department.