A federal jury in Covington convicted Genghis Stevenson, a 48-year-old resident of Carson, California, on Apr. 29 of possession with intent to distribute an aggravated quantity of fentanyl. The conviction followed a two-day trial.
Stevenson was stopped by law enforcement as he prepared to board a flight from the Greater Cincinnati Airport to Los Angeles on March 28, 2024. Authorities found over $15,000 in cash in his carry-on bag and seized 251 grams of fentanyl from his checked luggage. Stevenson has previous felony convictions for second degree robbery and carjacking.
“On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we acknowledge the widespread presence of fentanyl infiltrating our communities, but this conviction makes it clear that those responsible for trafficking it will be held accountable. Trafficking this poison is not a victimless crime—it fuels addiction, devastates families, and puts lives at risk every single day,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our Office, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in identifying, disrupting, and prosecuting those who choose to profit from this crisis. We will continue to hold offenders accountable and protect the public from the dangers of fentanyl.”
The conviction was announced jointly by Parman; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge at the Drug Enforcement Administration Louisville Field Division; and Chief Scott Schwartz of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Police Department. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and airport police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke represented the U.S. Attorney’s Office during prosecution.
Stevenson is scheduled for sentencing on August 21 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment with a possibility up to life.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky enforces federal laws—including drug-related offenses—and maintains community safety through prosecutions and partnerships according to its official website. The office collaborates with federal, state and local agencies on initiatives such as drug abuse prevention programs like Heroin Education Action Team and elder protection efforts through groups like Elder Justice Task Force according to its official website. Several early U.S. Attorneys for Kentucky have held prominent positions including service on the Supreme Court or as governor according to its official website.
Broader efforts continue as part of ongoing work under the Department of Justice according to its official website, with initiatives addressing issues such as elder abuse prevention along with criminal case prosecution throughout eastern Kentucky.
