A Kokomo couple has been sentenced to a combined 50 years in federal prison for their involvement in a fentanyl distribution operation that led to a fatal overdose. Dashawn Brown, 25, received a 30-year sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Emily Rouse, 24, was sentenced to 20 years following her guilty plea to similar charges.
Court documents show that between fall 2022 and March 13, 2023, Brown and Rouse conspired to sell fentanyl pills. The two lived together and kept drugs, cash from drug sales, and firearms at their home.
On March 7, 2023, police arrested Brown during a traffic stop. He was found with about 60 fentanyl pills and two Glock handguns. At the time of his arrest, Brown had a previous felony conviction that barred him from possessing firearms.
After being taken to Howard County Jail on state charges, Brown continued coordinating drug transactions with Rouse through text messages and recorded jail phone calls. While Brown was incarcerated, Rouse took over supplying fentanyl to his customers.
On March 10, 2023, Brown instructed Rouse to collect money owed by one of his customers identified as B.S. The next day B.S. paid the debt and purchased several fentanyl pills from Rouse. That evening B.S. died from an overdose after ingesting the pills.
Authorities executed a search warrant at the couple’s residence on March 13, recovering approximately 95 grams of fentanyl pills, more than half a kilogram of marijuana, drug paraphernalia including a digital scale, another Glock handgun, and around $3,015 in cash.
“Fentanyl dealers endanger every community they touch, and in this case their actions cost a woman her life,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our office will continue to pursue those who profit from poisoning our communities and ensure they are held accountable for the devastation they cause.”
“These two defendants preyed upon some of the most vulnerable members of our community while armed and legally prohibited from possessing firearms,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. “Their conduct was both despicable and deadly, and the sentences imposed are just and appropriate. We are grateful for the cooperation and diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners.”
The investigation was conducted by the Kokomo Police Department along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman handed down the sentences.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Massa for prosecuting the case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration warns that even small amounts—as little as two milligrams—of fentanyl can be lethal depending on individual factors such as body size or tolerance levels. Many counterfeit prescription pills sold on U.S streets contain potentially deadly doses of fentanyl according to DEA analysis (https://www.dea.gov/onepill).
Fentanyl is now considered the leading cause of death among adults in America (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/202205.htm). Dealers often mix it into fake prescription drugs made to look like legitimate medications such as Oxycodone or Xanax; these counterfeit pills can be difficult for buyers to distinguish from real ones.
