Baltimore Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Role in Fentanyl Conspiracy

A Baltimore resident has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that involved significant quantities of fentanyl and other controlled substances. According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Rivers Stewart, 55, received an eight-year prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release.

The investigation, which began in June 2021, identified Carlos Scovens, 59, of Baltimore, as a key figure in the local drug trade. Law enforcement surveillance and confidential source information led to the discovery of Stewart’s association with Scovens and his participation in the conspiracy. Through a wiretap investigation and the assistance of confidential informants, authorities intercepted communications detailing the distribution of various narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base, between Stewart, Scovens, and other individuals.

During the course of the investigation, a residence in Northeast Baltimore was identified and observed being used as a stash location by Scovens, Stewart, Keyshawna Ellis, 29, of Baltimore, and other co-conspirators. Multiple meetings between Scovens and Stewart were noted at this property. A search warrant executed at this location on April 18, 2022, resulted in the seizure of approximately 3,645 grams of fentanyl, 1,000 grams of cocaine, 399 grams of cocaine base, and 500 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture. Prior to the search, Stewart was found to be in possession of approximately 3,645 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture intended for distribution.

Further investigative actions included the execution of additional search warrants at locations where Scovens and Stewart had been observed meeting, as well as at Stewart’s residence. These searches led to the recovery of significant sums of suspected drug proceeds, totaling approximately $45,413 and $17,925, found at separate locations linked to Stewart.

The sentencing of Rivers Stewart follows prior actions taken against other individuals involved in the conspiracy. Carlos Scovens was previously sentenced by Judge Ellen L. Hollander to 100 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Keyshawna Ellis pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and was subsequently sentenced in May 2025 to a two-year federal prison term.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland credited the collaborative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) for their integral roles in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking networks operating within the Baltimore metropolitan area. Residents concerned about drug-related activity in their communities are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to local law enforcement or the DEA.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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