NEW ORLEANS, LA – Tevis Stanton, 21, of Orleans Parish, is facing a potential life sentence after a federal grand jury indicted him on four serious counts: carjacking, using a firearm during a crime, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm while trafficking drugs. The charges stem from a brazen carjacking that occurred back on March 22, 2022, and subsequent investigations into Stanton’s wider criminal activity.
According to the indictment, Stanton allegedly committed the carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). If convicted on this count alone, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and three years of supervised release, in addition to a $100.00 assessment fee. But the charges don’t stop there. Prosecutors are hitting Stanton with a significantly heavier penalty for allegedly brandishing a firearm during the carjacking, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). This carries a mandatory minimum of 7 years, potentially escalating to a life sentence, to be served consecutively with any other sentence imposed.
The feds are also alleging Stanton was running a drug operation, specifically possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute them, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). A conviction on this charge could land Stanton another 20 years behind bars, a $1,000,000.00 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. Adding insult to injury, the indictment claims Stanton illegally possessed a firearm while engaged in this drug trafficking, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, potentially extending to life, again to be served consecutively.
The case is being spearheaded by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, led by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Orleans Police Department. This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities.
U.S. Attorney Evans was quick to emphasize that the indictment is merely an accusation. “The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” he stated. However, if convicted on all counts, Tevis Stanton is looking at decades – potentially the rest of his life – in a federal penitentiary. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the legal system.
The indictment represents another attempt by federal authorities to crack down on violent crime and drug trafficking in New Orleans, a city long plagued by both. The combined penalties Stanton faces underscore the severity with which federal prosecutors are treating offenses involving firearms and narcotics. The ATF and NOPD continue to investigate related activity and potential co-conspirators.
Related Federal Cases
- Jadakiss Johnson, Armed Carjacking, Memphis TN, 2024 · Virginia
- Deborah Fortner Indicted for LRHP Grant Fraud, New Orleans LA, 2007 · Ohio
- Laquentin Brown, Sex Trafficking Conspiracy, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Illinois
- Santos Gavarrete-Nataren, Gun Smuggling, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Alabama
- Ambrose Williams, Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, New Orleans LA, … · Louisiana
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Press Release
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