A Charlotte man has been indicted on federal charges related to fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearm possession, according to an announcement from Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Vance Deangelo Lewis, 33, faces charges including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment includes a forfeiture notice requiring Lewis to surrender 14 firearms and ammunition seized during the investigation.
Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte Field Division and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Ferguson in announcing the charges.
According to court documents, Lewis allegedly possessed nearly half a kilogram each of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute on or about October 2, 2025. He is also accused of possessing firearms as a convicted felon in connection with his drug trafficking activities. Records show that Lewis previously served time following a conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon and distribution-related offenses involving cocaine and marijuana in the Western District of North Carolina. Due to this prior conviction, he is barred from owning firearms or ammunition.
Lewis has made an initial appearance in federal court and remains detained pending further proceedings. If found guilty, he faces at least 10 years in prison up to life; sentencing will be determined by a federal judge after considering relevant guidelines and statutory factors.
Authorities emphasized that these are allegations at this stage: “The charges against Lewis are allegations and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed appreciation for investigative efforts: “In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF and CMPD for their investigation of the case and recognized Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather and his office for their invaluable assistance.”
The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a national effort led by the Department of Justice aiming to combat illegal immigration, dismantle criminal organizations such as cartels and transnational groups, and address violent crime through coordinated initiatives like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
