U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that 11 individuals face criminal charges tied to firearms offenses and immigration-related violations. This announcement is part of Operation Take Back America, which is a nationwide effort aiming to combat illegal immigration, eliminate cartels, and protect communities from violent crimes.
Those facing federal firearms charges include Steven Tyler Philbeck of Lincolnton, North Carolina, who is accused of possessing a firearm as a felon, using a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and distributing methamphetamine. He is alleged to have distributed methamphetamine in February 2025 in Catawba County and possessed a Glock 19 Gen4, 9mm handgun related to drug trafficking.
Naquan Damerius Blakeney of Charlotte is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, specifically a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol. Justin Lloyd Coleman of Huntersville is charged with possession of machine guns and firearms as a felon. Kiren Nashawn Heath of Monroe allegedly had a Walther 9mm pistol frame and a Smith & Wesson 9mm slide, both as a convicted felon. Daquan Devonte Jeter, also of Charlotte, is charged with possessing a sawed-off shotgun as a felon. Norris Lashane Myers of Lenoir is also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, specifically a Taurus PT92AF, 9mm handgun. Nathaniel Desean Nicholes from Charlotte faces charges for possessing a Glock, model 19, 9mm pistol despite multiple felony convictions.
Those charged with immigration-related violations include Jose Guadalupe Cervantes Nava and Remedios Arroyo Beltran, both of Mexico. Cervantes Nava had been deported four times within two months in 2018, while Beltran had been deported three times between April and July 2019. Erik Antonio Lopez-Hernandez of Honduras and Darwin Gonzalez Navarijo of Guatemala are also charged with illegal reentry into the United States.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. U.S. Attorney Ferguson acknowledged the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and various local law enforcement agencies. The cases will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.