RALEIGH, N.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kaven Lee Stephenson, 37, to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to sell and possess with intent to sell fentanyl, possession with the intent to sell 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. The Court already sentenced co-defendant Johnny Brian Guin, 47, to 14 years on March 23, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said, “Let this be a warning to all drug dealers. If you peddle poison for profit in our communities, we will take your freedom, your toys, your money, and maybe even your home. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill; Prison Awaits – Do Right.”
Between 2023 and 2024, law enforcement executed three search warrants at two homes Kaven Stephenson owned on Massengill Pond Road in Angier, NC. During the execution of the first search warrant in October of 2023, law enforcement located over 50 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, more than $2,000 cash, an AR-15 rifle with a large capacity magazine, a M5 rifle with a large capacity magazine, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a stolen .22 rifle. Stephenson was arrested on state charges related to these crimes, but he made bail and bonded out just a month later.
Law enforcement executed a second search warrant in July of 2024 after receiving reports of an armed robbery occurring at Stephenson’s residence. Law enforcement discovered a hidden compartment, or “trap,” built into the dead space of a wall just outside the master bedroom. Inside the “trap,” they discovered 218 grams of methamphetamine, 279 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a money counter, two 9mm pistols, and over $8,500 cash. In a search of Stephenson’s person and the master bedroom, law enforcement located over $2,500 cash, digital scales, and drug paraphernalia. Again, State law enforcement arrested Stephenson on state charges related to these crimes. Again, he made bail and bonded out.
In August of 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at another home owned by Stephenson on Massengill Pond Road. They found Stephenson and co-defendant Johnny Guin inside. During the search, law enforcement located over 115 grams of methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and more than $1,500 cash.
Pursuant to the judgment, all currency, firearms, and Kaven Stephenson’s properties on Massengill Pond Road were forfeited to the United States.
“Armed drug dealers present a dangerous mix of violence and lawlessness in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “We’re fortunate to have solid partnerships in place with local, state and federal agencies that recognize these dangers and work to hold these violent offenders accountable.”
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, Raleigh Police Department, Cary Police Department, DEA, and the NCSBI collaborated on this investigation. Former Special Assistant United States Attorney Aria Merle and Assistant United States Attorney William Van Trigt prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-273D-001 and 5:24-CR-273D-003.
