ALBUQUERQUE — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), published as received.
ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man is facing federal charges for suspected federal drug trafficking and firearms violations stemming from a traffic stop.
According to court documents, on January 26, 2026, Stevie Anthony Lovato, 39, was stopped while driving on U.S. Highway 550 with two other individuals in the vehicle and arrested on an active felony warrant. During the arrest, 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.
As a previously convicted felon, Lovato is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Lovato is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He 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.
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.
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.
