Career Criminal Sentenced To 262 Months For Drug Trafficking And Possession Of A Firearm

United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced on Wednesday the sentence of ALBERT TERRELL ELLIS, 38, a/k/a, “Alvin Ellis,” to 262 months in prison for possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute heroin and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The Defendant was sentenced on June 4, 2015 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Montgomery.

As proven at trial and according to documents filed in court, on October 10, 2012, ELLIS and his girlfriend, A.G., got into a fight with A.G.’s roommate, J.C. The Duluth Police Department responded to a 911 call from J.C.’s mother informing the police department that her daughter felt she was in danger. During a subsequent search of the apartment and ELLIS’s car, police dogs discovered heroin and crack. ELLIS had hidden the drugs, packaged for distribution, in the gas cap of his car. He also hid a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 Caliber pistol in the engine block of his vehicle. ELLIS was later arrested with more than $6,000 in illegal drug proceeds.

According to documents filed in court, ELLIS is a career criminal with a violent history. He was first convicted of battery when he was 14-years-old. His criminal history includes two convictions for drug trafficking, and convictions for attempted murder and attempted armed robbery, each of which is a felony. When ELLIS was let out of prison for attempted armed robbery in 2009, he was arrested four times between then and 2012. Three times for battery and once for theft.

“This defendant is an armed career criminal and a career offender with a violent criminal history,” said Assistant United States Attorney Tom Calhoun-Lopez. “This sentence will ensure that society is protected from his further crimes.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Calhoun-Lopez.

Defendant information:

ALBERT TERRELL ELLIS, 38

Duluth, Minn.

Convicted:

• Possession of a firearm as an armed career criminal, 1 count
• Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
• Use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 262 months in prison

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600