Vladimir Elie, 48, of Bay Shore, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for selling large quantities of cocaine to an undercover officer. In October, Elie pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony charge of criminal sale of a controlled substance, according to Suffolk County Government, which was a key development in the case. His illegal activities reportedly originated at a bar in Ronkonkoma that had been linked to local drug activity.
The investigation, led by the Suffolk County Police Department, began in October 2024 following tips from local residents. During a series of undercover operations, Vladimir Elie sold drugs to an undercover officer on multiple occasions, with all transactions taking place at JW’s Bar, located at 729 Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma. On the final transaction, dated November 13, 2024, he sold more than two ounces of cocaine to the officer.
In May, a police stop led to the discovery of a loaded handgun, fentanyl, additional cocaine, and drug paraphernalia in Elie’s vehicle. He was subsequently charged with drug-related offenses as well as criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Suffolk County Government reported that District Attorney Tierney stated the Suffolk County Police Department and the New York State Liquor Authority had worked together to close the bar connected to the incidents.
Following the closure of JW’s Bar in October, Elie appeared in Suffolk County court and entered a guilty plea. On Monday, he was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei. He was represented in court by Steven Wilutis, Esq. The investigation and prosecution involved the Suffolk County Police Department Narcotics Section, the New York State Liquor Authority, and Assistant District Attorneys Lauren Golombek and Robert Kerr of the Narcotics Bureau.
