A Kokomo couple has been sentenced to a combined 50 years in federal prison for their involvement in distributing fentanyl, which led to a fatal overdose. Dashawn Brown, 25, received a 30-year sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Emily Rouse, 24, was sentenced to 20 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
Court documents indicate that from the fall of 2022 through March 13, 2023, Brown and Rouse distributed fentanyl pills from their shared residence where they also kept drugs, cash proceeds, and firearms. On March 7, 2023, police arrested Brown during a traffic stop. He was found with about 60 fentanyl pills and two handguns. At the time of his arrest, Brown had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
After Brown’s arrest and incarceration at Howard County Jail pending state charges, Rouse continued supplying fentanyl to customers. The pair coordinated transactions through text messages and recorded jail phone calls. On March 10, Brown instructed Rouse to contact one customer known as B.S. to collect an outstanding debt. The next day B.S. paid the debt and purchased several fentanyl pills from Rouse; later that evening B.S. died from an overdose.
On March 13 investigators searched the couple’s home and recovered approximately 95 grams of fentanyl pills, over half a kilogram of marijuana, a digital scale, another handgun, and $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 thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Massa for prosecuting the case.
According to data from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), even small amounts—as little as two milligrams—of fentanyl can be lethal depending on body size or tolerance levels. Recent DEA analysis found that seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized on U.S. streets contain potentially deadly doses.
The DEA warns that illicitly manufactured prescription pills sold on the street often contain fentanyl but are made to look like legitimate medications such as Oxycodone or Xanax; these counterfeit pills may be different colors or shapes but frequently bear markings similar to pharmacy versions.
