By: Richard L. Smith
Nahjajuan Ellis, 23, of Atlantic City, entered a guilty plea to multiple charges related to drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm on Monday, May 6. 
The plea was entered before Judge Donna M. Taylor of the New Jersey Superior Court.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said Ellis admitted to operating a facility for producing controlled dangerous substances, possessing heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute, and illegal possession of a handgun.
As part of a plea agreement, officials said he is expected to receive a 10-year sentence in state prison, with a minimum of 42 months served without the possibility of parole under the Graves Act.
The charges stemmed from a police raid on Ellis's apartment on January 26, 2023, when the Atlantic City Police Department's Vice Unit executed a search warrant.
Atlantic County officials said Ellis was apprehended as he left the premises. The search of his apartment uncovered a loaded and stolen handgun, over a half ounce of heroin and fentanyl packaged for sale, and various drug packaging paraphernalia.
Police also seized $8,565 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
In a related development, Ellis also pleaded guilty to additional charges including obstructing law enforcement and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, arising from separate cases.
These sentences will run concurrently with his other charges.
The Atlantic City Police Department investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Gangs, Guns, and Narcotics Unit. Ellis is currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility, and the sentencing is scheduled for July.
