Suspected Fentanyl Dealer Pleads In West Hartford-Bristol Case

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A suspected fentanyl dealer picked up by federal and regional authorities last spring has entered a guilty plea in his case, a leading prosecutor said.

John H. Durham, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that 38-year-old Elkie Crump, also known as "40," entered the plea Thursday to fentanyl and crack cocaine distribution offenses.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act, the court proceeding before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall occurred via video conference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2019, the federal Drug Enforcement’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department began an investigation into Crump after receiving information that Crump, who formerly resided on Davis Drive in Bristol, was distributing fentanyl.

On three occasions last January and February, investigators conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Crump, Durham said.

On March 3, Crump was arrested in West Hartford, where he was residing as a condition of a state-imposed parole. At the time of his arrest, Crump was in possession of approximately 14 grams of crack cocaine, case records show.

In a related search of a Davis Drive residence, authorities uncovered a 9 mm handgun possessed by Crump, according to case records.

Records show Crump pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as crack.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2. Crump is facing a maximum prison term of 20 years on each count, Durham said.

Crump has been detained since his arrest.