Actor Nelsan Ellis, more popularly known as Lafayette Reynolds of "True Blood," recently inked a deal to appear in a multi-episode arc in "Elementary" season 5.

Ellis will play Shinwell Johnson, who first appeared in "The Illustrious Client," a story created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1924. Shinwell is portrayed as a former drug dealer who struggles to get back to his normal life after spending years of his life behind bars.

Shinwell was a surgical patient of Watson over a decade ago. This time, their paths will cross again as he becomes a helpful tipster in the investigation of a murder case. According to reports, he will begin working in partnership with Sherlock and Joan, whom he will help by leveraging his past illicit connections.

Serving as a resource to Joan and Sherlock, he will provide a good deal of information to the pair as he proves himself useful in closing cases. However, he will slowly slide back to his old life as a criminal as he spends more time navigating the underworld of New York while helping Joan and Sherlock.

Viewers have yet to know if Ellis' character will be able to keep on the straight and narrow path as he tries to resist the old demons of his past rising to the surface once again.

Ellis will appear in at least three episodes of the series, beginning with the premiere episode of "Elementary" season 5.

"Elementary" season 5 premieres on October 2, 10:00 P.M. on CBS.