Local man arrested for distributing fentanyl resulting in two fatalities

HOUSTON – A 24-year-old Crosby resident has been taken into custody for trafficking fentanyl on multiple occasions that resulted in death and serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Joshua Ray Stebelton is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo at 2 p.m.

The indictment, returned March 27 and unsealed upon Stebelton’s arrest, alleges he was a member of an ongoing four-year conspiracy to distribute more than 440 grams of fentanyl. According to the indictment, the conspiracy allegedly resulted in the deaths of two and serious bodily injury to a third victim.

In November 2020, Stebelton allegedly distributed less than 40 grams of fentanyl that resulted in the death of an individual. Less than two months later in January 2021, he is alleged to have distributed fentanyl again which resulted in the death of another victim.

In addition to the conspiracy, Stebelton is charged with seven counts of distributing fentanyl from November 2020 through June 2023.  

If convicted, Stebelton faces up to life imprisonment and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz, Casey N. MacDonald and Jimmy Leo are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.