Shreveport Drug Ring Leader Linda Brown Sentenced to 46 Months

SHREVEPORT, La. — A Shreveport woman has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for her leadership role in a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution operation spanning four parishes in Louisiana.

Linda G. Brown, 61, was handed the sentence by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Alongside co-defendants Shawn F. Swift (36), Ricky R. Swift (64), and Jarvis Randle (29), all from Shreveport, Brown plotted the illegal drug sales from January 2013 to October 2014.

The investigation, which involved controlled buys and communication monitoring, led to the seizure of $360,000 in cash and 39 weapons. The Swifts’ family home in Shreveport was a focal point for the drug sales, with distribution to surrounding areas.

Randle pleaded guilty to conspiracy on April 27, 2015, receiving 57 months in prison; Ricky Swift confessed on June 1, 2015, and was sentenced to 13 months; Shawn Swift admitted guilt on June 2, 2015, and faced 180 months. All three were also subjected to supervised release.

Operation ‘Not So Swift’ was conducted by the FBI, ATF, DEA, Louisiana State Police, and various parish sheriff’s offices as part of the OCDETF program, aimed at dismantling major drug trafficking organizations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Allison D. Bushnell.