A Farmington resident, Stevie Anthony Lovato, 39, has been charged with federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses following a traffic stop on January 26, 2026. According to court documents, Lovato was stopped by law enforcement while driving on U.S. Highway 550 with two other individuals and was arrested due to an active felony warrant.
During the arrest, officers found a 9mm hollow point round, about 1.34 grams of methamphetamine, and two cellphones on Lovato. A subsequent search of the vehicle under a warrant led to the discovery of approximately 18 grams of fentanyl powder, more than 400 fentanyl pills, and a loaded firearm.
Lovato is a previously convicted felon and is not legally allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. He faces charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted on these charges, he could face at least ten years in prison up to life.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: "An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law." The announcement was made together with Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.
The case is being investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from the Region II Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting.
