CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Franklin Fitzgerald Elly, 36, also known as “Costco,” has been sentenced to 11 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl. He will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Authorities said the drug activity occurred in 2025 near Charleston and involved at least four transactions with a confidential informant. At the time, Elly was on parole. Michigan Department of Corrections records indicate he has two prior drug convictions in Wayne County.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito called Elly a “career criminal” and emphasized that the sentence demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to pursuing those who endanger communities.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which includes officers from multiple local departments in the Charleston area.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort to combat illicit drug trafficking.
