Kawaiishh Brown, a 52-year-old resident of Tangipahoa Parish, pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute substances containing fentanyl and cocaine. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the development.
According to court documents, in January 2024, law enforcement officers discovered that Shyheim Pines sold heroin and fentanyl from his residence in Pontchatoula, Louisiana. Investigators also learned that his mother distributed heroin and fentanyl from her own residence on behalf of Pines.
On March 26, 2024, agents executed search warrants at both Pines' and Brown’s residences. At Pines’ home, they found a black book sack containing over 312 grams of methamphetamine, more than one gram of cocaine, and 57 grams of a substance with tramadol, fentanyl, and heroin. A Glock Model 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol was also recovered with the drugs.
At Brown's residence, law enforcement seized over 57 grams of methamphetamine, more than five grams of fentanyl, nearly twelve grams of cocaine, and almost one gram of cocaine base. Officers also found a Ruger LSP .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Radical Firearm Model RF-15 semi-automatic rifle.
Brown faces up to twenty years in prison, a fine as high as $1 million, at least three years of supervised release after any imprisonment term, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The investigation involved the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT). FORT includes personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Hammond Police Department; Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office; and the 21st Judicial District Court. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Sarver and André Jones are prosecuting the case for the Narcotics Unit.
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