Mercer Times

An Atlantic County man, Elias Santiago, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for providing fentanyl that led to the fatal overdoses of two teenagers. The sentencing was announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). Santiago, aged 27 from Egg Harbor Township, received a concurrent sentence for each death caused. He must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act.

Attorney General Platkin commented on the case, stating, "The defendant sold deadly, illegal drugs disguised as Percocet, leading directly to the overdose deaths of two teenagers." He emphasized the severe consequences when drug dealers sell dangerous substances to unsuspecting users.

DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton highlighted the collaborative efforts with Pennsylvania authorities in tracking down Santiago and holding him accountable under New Jersey's strict-liability statute. "New Jersey’s strict-liability statute was enacted precisely to hold accountable the drug dealers who endanger lives," she said.

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan of the New Jersey State Police remarked on the broader implications of such cases: "Holding those who distribute these lethal substances accountable is not just a matter of law enforcement—it’s a moral obligation."

The investigation began after A.P., 14, and M.M., 17, were found unresponsive at A.P.'s home in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Autopsies confirmed their deaths resulted from fentanyl ingestion. Further investigation revealed that M.M. had purchased pills from Santiago which were falsely represented as Percocet but contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Santiago admitted guilt in selling these counterfeit pills through an encrypted messaging platform called Telegram under a group named “BaldysRUS.” The New Jersey State Police executed a search warrant at Santiago's residence where they discovered more counterfeit pills and packaging materials.

The prosecution was handled by Deputy Attorney General Evgeniya Sitnikova and Assistant Attorney General Erik Daab for DCJ. The case underscores New Jersey's commitment to enforcing its Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987 which holds distributors strictly liable for deaths resulting from controlled dangerous substances.

Defense counsel Stephen Funk Esq., Assistant Deputy Public Defender from Mays Landing, represented Santiago during this legal process.