Detroit Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for West Virginia Drug Conspiracy

Franklin Fitzgerald Elly, known as "Costco", received lengthy sentence for fentanyl distribution near Charleston.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Franklin Fitzgerald Elly, a 36-year-old Detroit man also known as "Costco", was sentenced to 11 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl. The investigation involved drug activity that took place during 2025 near Charleston, West Virginia, where Elly was involved in at least four instances of distribution to a confidential informant.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to target drug trafficking networks, especially those involving the highly potent and deadly opioid fentanyl. Elly's lengthy sentence reflects the severity with which the justice system is treating such drug crimes, particularly when committed by repeat offenders.

The details

Elly was on parole at the time of the drug activity in West Virginia. His criminal history includes two prior drug-related convictions out of Wayne County, Michigan. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, which includes several local police departments in West Virginia. This case is part of the nationwide "Operation Take Back America" initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice.

  • Elly's drug activity took place in 2025 near Charleston, West Virginia.
  • Elly was sentenced on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Franklin Fitzgerald Elly

A 36-year-old Detroit man also known as "Costco" who was sentenced to 11 years and 10 months in federal prison for a fentanyl distribution conspiracy in West Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Moore Capito

The United States Attorney who stated that Elly is a "career criminal" who has sold drugs in multiple states, including while on parole or probation for prior drug convictions.

Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team

A task force that includes officers from several police departments in West Virginia and worked with the FBI on the investigation that led to Elly's conviction.

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What they’re saying

“Franklin Fitzgerald Elly is a career criminal who has sold drugs in West Virginia and two other states. He has committed three of his drug-dealing crimes, including this one, while on parole or probation for a prior drug-related conviction. As today's sentence shows, this office and our law enforcement partners are determined to go after those who seek to harm our communities to the maximum extent the law allows.”

— U.S. Attorney Moore Capito (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge's sentence of 11 years and 10 months in federal prison for Elly will be followed by 5 years of supervised release upon his eventual release.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis, particularly the scourge of fentanyl, and the determination of federal and local law enforcement to target repeat drug offenders who continue to peddle these deadly substances in communities. The lengthy sentence handed down to Elly reflects the severity with which the justice system is treating such crimes.