EHT Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Overdose Deaths of 2 Teens

An Egg Harbor Township man who sold illegal drugs in 2022 that caused the overdoses of two teenagers was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Monday.

Elias Santiago, 27, was sentenced by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey J. Waldman to serve 15 years in New Jersey state prison for each death he caused. 

Santiago pleaded guilty in December to two counts of strict liability drug-induced death.

Authorities say Santiago admitted that he sold a 17-year-old identified only as M.M. what appeared to be Percocet pills, but were really fentanyl and methamphetamine. 

He also admitted that the pills he sold caused the deaths of M.M. and his 14-year-old friend A.P.

 Drug Sale Happened in Sea Isle City

Pennsylvania State Police detectives said that Santiago sold M.M. what appeared to be Percocet pills on August 16, 2022, in Sea Isle City.

The next day,  A.P. and  M.M., were discovered unresponsive by A.P.’s father at A.P.’s home in Chester County, PA.

The two were brought to a hospital in Delaware where they were pronounced dead.

Detectives from the PA. State Police found additional pills in a backpack in the bedroom where the children were found. 

The pills were tested by the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Lab and determined to contain fentanyl and methamphetamine.

New Jersey State Police also found that Santiago operated a group on the encrypted messaging platform Telegram called “BaldysRUS,” which displayed pictures, videos, and different prices of the drugs available for sale.

Breaking AC reports that M.M. was an Ocean City High School student who would have graduated in 2023.

Santiago Convicted Under No Early Release Act

Elias Santiago must serve 85 percent of the 15-year sentence before becoming parole-eligible under the No Early Release Act, meaning he will spend at least 12 years and nine months in prison.

The two 15-year sentences will run concurrently. 

"The sentencing of this individual serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the fentanyl epidemic,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

“Two young lives were tragically lost due to the reckless actions of someone who prioritized profit over human life. Our thoughts remain with the families who will forever feel the pain of this loss.

Holding those who distribute these lethal substances accountable is not just a matter of law enforcement—it’s a moral obligation.