(WNY News Now) – A Berks County man has been sentenced to 8.5 to 22 years in prison for orchestrating a $20,000 hit on a witness testifying against him in a human trafficking case, according to trial testimony. The defendant was convicted of two counts of witness intimidation and one count of obstruction of justice in December.
Berks County, PA – In a significant development, Dushawn Ellis, 34, has been handed a sentence ranging from 8.5 to 22 years in a state correctional institution for witness intimidation linked to an ongoing human trafficking case. Ellis allegedly placed a $20,000 bounty on a witness who was slated to testify against him during his trial.
The jury found Ellis guilty on two felony counts of witness intimidation and one count of obstruction of justice in December, prompting Monday’s sentencing. The court heard that the defendant actively took steps to ensure the victim was aware of the threat looming over them if they proceeded with their testimony.
During the trial, it was revealed that Ellis, currently incarcerated at Berks County Prison, approached another inmate acquainted with the witness. He disclosed the $20,000 threat, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Subsequently, Ellis utilized prison technology to engage in a video chat with the witness, personally relaying the menacing threat.
Attorney General Henry, commenting on the case, stated, “This defendant was willing to use any means necessary to make the charges against him go away. My office stands by this brave witness. This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his threats and intimidations, and serves as a reminder that this type of conduct will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania.”
While this sentencing addresses the immediate witness intimidation charges, the broader investigation into the underlying human trafficking case remains ongoing.
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