Executive Summary
- A federal jury convicted Shantel Marie Powell for making a false statement to a federal agent, while her husband, Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr., pleaded guilty to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession.
- During the investigation, law enforcement seized fentanyl, drug packaging equipment including two kilogram presses, and five firearms, one of which was a privately made “ghost gun.”
- U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin highlighted his office’s commitment to public safety by prosecuting violent felons and drug traffickers, aligning with the goals of President Donald Trump.
Laws and Precedent
- Shantel Marie Powell was convicted for making a false statement to a federal agent, a charge typically prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Her co-defendant, Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr., pleaded guilty to federal offenses including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, governed by statutes like 21 U.S.C. § 841, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). These convictions underscore the U.S. Department of Justice’s focus on prosecuting drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession within the federal legal framework, with sentencing maximums determined by these specific federal statutes.
Pensacola, Fla. – A federal jury in the Northern District of Florida convicted Shantel Marie Powell, 37, of Crestview, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, for making a false statement to a federal agent during a significant drug and firearm investigation. Her husband and co-defendant, Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr., 40, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Case Details
The verdict against Shantel Powell and the guilty plea from Kevin Powell Jr. were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Evidence presented at trial and in court documents detailed the events leading to the convictions.
On January 31, 2025, federal search warrants were executed simultaneously at an outbuilding in Crestview and at the Powells’ home in Pensacola. Law enforcement seized a quantity of fentanyl, as well as evidence indicating Kevin Powell was packaging drugs for sale, including two large kilogram presses.
Investigators also recovered a total of five firearms and various amounts of ammunition during the searches. Notably, one of the seized weapons was a privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” lacking any manufacturer markings or a serial number.
During the execution of the search warrant, Shantel Powell willfully lied to a federal task force officer. She falsely claimed to have purchased the privately made firearm at a specific gun store in Crestview.
Prosecution’s Statement
U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized his office’s commitment to public safety. “My office is committed to fulfilling the promise of President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from violent felons and drug traffickers, and this case is yet another victory toward achieving that goal,” Heekin stated.
Heekin further added, “Keeping our communities safe is our top priority, and we will not hesitate to aggressively prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the armed criminals flooding our streets with dangerous drugs and their accomplices. I am deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners that led to this successful prosecution.”
Sentencing Information
Sentencing for Kevin Powell is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., while Shantel Powell will be sentenced on November 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Both defendants will appear before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
Kevin Powell faces a maximum term of 45 years’ imprisonment for his offenses. Shantel Powell faces a maximum term of 5 years’ imprisonment for making a false statement to a federal agent.
Joint Investigation
These convictions are the result of a collaborative investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Contributing to the success were the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Crestview Police Department, and the Niceville Police Department.
Assistance was also provided by the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes is prosecuting the case for the government.
The convictions of the Powells highlight the continued efforts of federal and local authorities to dismantle drug trafficking operations and address illegal firearm possession, reinforcing the commitment to community safety across the region.
