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, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, firearm offenses related to drug trafficking, 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 show that between the fall of 2022 and March 13, 2023, Brown and Rouse conspired to sell fentanyl pills. They lived together and kept drugs, cash from sales, and firearms at their home.
On March 7, 2023, police arrested Brown during a traffic stop where he was found with about 60 fentanyl pills and two Glock handguns. Brown had a previous felony conviction for resisting law enforcement and was not allowed to possess firearms. He was held at Howard County Jail pending trial on state charges.
While Brown was incarcerated, Rouse continued supplying fentanyl to customers. The two coordinated drug sales through text messages and recorded jail phone calls. On March 10, Brown instructed Rouse to collect money from B.S., one of his customers. The next day, B.S. paid the debt and bought more fentanyl pills from Rouse; later that evening B.S. died from an overdose.
On March 13, investigators searched the couple’s residence in Kokomo and recovered about 95 grams of fentanyl pills, over half a kilogram of marijuana, a digital scale, another Glock handgun, and roughly $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 involved the Kokomo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman imposed the sentences.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Massa for prosecuting the case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration warns that even small amounts—about two milligrams—of fentanyl can be fatal depending on individual factors such as body size or tolerance levels; many illegal tablets seized by authorities contain potentially lethal doses.
Fentanyl is now considered the leading cause of death among adults in the United States according to federal data. Dealers often mix it with cutting agents to create counterfeit prescription pills resembling legitimate medications like Oxycodone or Xanax but containing dangerous amounts of fentanyl instead.
