The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force announces the arrest of Justin Ellis, age 22 of Poughkeepsie after a narcotics investigation and execution of a search warrant at a residence on Flannery Ave in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Agents began the investigation after developing intelligence about a suspected fentanyl dealer operating in the area of Corlies Manor and Flannery Avenue. Drug Task Force Agents identified Justin Ellis as the individual allegedly distributing narcotics in that area. Over the course of the investigation, Agents conducted multiple purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Mr. Ellis, which ultimately led to the securing of a search warrant.
On September 30, 2025, Agents of the Drug Task Force, assisted by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit (SWAT) and the Poughkeepsie Police SWAT Team executed the warrant. Mr. Ellis was taken into custody without incident. The search of his residence resulted in the seizure of quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, drug packaging materials, U.S. currency, digital scales, and other items associated with the sale and distribution of narcotics. In addition, a loaded 40 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number was secured.
Mr. Ellis was charged with the following:
(1) Count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, a class C Violent Felony
(1) Count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, a class D Felony
(1) Count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree, a class B Felony
(1) Count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th Degree, a class C Felony
*Multiple charges related to the sale of cocaine and fentanyl to Drug Task Force Agents are anticipated.
Mr. Ellis was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Justice Court and remanded to DCJ.
This investigation and enforcement action were made possible through close collaboration between the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit, the City and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Departments, City of Beacon Police Department, Town of Hyde Park Police Department, Town of East Fishkill Police Department, and the Town of Fishkill Police Department.
If anyone has information regarding this case or about any other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County, you are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by emailing your tips to Drugtaskforcetips@gmail.com. As with any criminal case, the charges described above are merely an accusation and those individuals named in this release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
