Major Federal Convictions in North Florida Drug and Firearm Bust

Crestview, FL (BuzzReport) – A Crestview couple faces significant prison time after federal convictions stemming from a comprehensive drug and firearm investigation in Okaloosa County. On Monday, August 18, 2025, Shantel Marie Powell, 37, of Crestview, was found guilty by a federal jury of making a false statement to a federal agent. Her husband and codefendant, 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.

The verdict and guilty plea were formally announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, underscoring a commitment to combating serious crime in the region.

U.S. Attorney Heekin issued a strong statement regarding the convictions: “My office is committed to fulfilling the promise of President Donald J. 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. 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.”

Evidence presented during Shantel Powell’s trial and detailed in court documents revealed the scope of the January 31, 2025, investigation. Federal search warrants were executed simultaneously at an outbuilding in Crestview, allegedly used by Kevin Powell for drug storage and distribution, and the couple’s home in Pensacola. Law enforcement officers seized a substantial quantity of fentanyl, along with evidence indicating Kevin Powell was actively packaging and preparing drugs for sale, including two large kilogram presses. A total of five firearms were also confiscated, accompanied by various amounts of ammunition. Notably, one of the seized firearms was a privately made weapon with no manufacturer markings or serial number, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.”

During the execution of the search warrant, Shantel Powell willfully provided false information to a federal task force officer, deceptively claiming she had purchased the “ghost gun” at a specific gun store in Crestview.

Sentencing for Kevin Powell is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., while Shantel Powell’s sentencing is set for 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, significantly more than Shantel Powell’s potential maximum term of 5 years’ imprisonment.

These convictions are the culmination of a multi-agency effort, a joint investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), 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.

This case is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative designed to leverage the Department of Justice’s full resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from violent crime. The operation strategically integrates efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).