Ellis Drake is one of two operators of the Royalty Fashions wedding apparel factory, along with his wife Betty, the couple holding Mexican citizens captive for undocumented labor. Their enforcer, Rudy Armendariz, killed city inspector Ira Bender and captive cousins Edouardo and María Carranza, resulting in all three being arrested.
When Ellis was told Betty and Armendariz were having an affair, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment in exchange for his testimony. Betty and Armendariz pleaded guilty for 25-year prison sentences once the remaining captives were found murdered in Brooklyn, and the borough wanted the case. (L&O: "Wedded Bliss")