Stevie Anthony Lovato, Fentanyl Distribution & Firearms Offenses, New Mexico 2026

Fentanyl Distribution and Firearms Offenses Plague New Mexico

A Farmington man is facing federal charges for suspected federal drug trafficking and firearms violations stemming from a traffic stop, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico. Stevie Anthony Lovato, 39, is accused of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On January 26, 2026, Lovato was stopped while driving on U.S. Highway 550 with two other individuals in the vehicle and arrested on an active felony warrant. As a result, officers recovered a 9mm hollow point round, approximately 1.34 grams of methamphetamine, and two cellphones from his person. A subsequent search of the vehicle, conducted pursuant to a warrant, resulted in the seizure of approximately 18 grams of fentanyl powder, more than 400 fentanyl pills, and a loaded firearm.

Lovato, who is a previously convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, the recovered evidence suggests that Lovato was involved in a significant fentanyl distribution operation.

As a result of the investigation, Lovato is facing charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, as well as felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Lovato will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

If convicted of the current charges, Lovato faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in prison. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico emphasizes that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and Lovato is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Region II Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

Defendant: Stevie Anthony Lovato

Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition

City and State: Farmington, New Mexico

Exact Date: January 26, 2026

Sentence or Outcome: Lovato will remain in custody pending trial; faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in prison if convicted

Defendant's Status: In custody pending trial

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/farmington-man-charged-fentanyl-distribution-and-firearms-offenses