NEW ORLEANS – Anthony Windell Brown, 30, of New Orleans, is staring down a potential life sentence after admitting guilt to a multi-faceted federal crime spree. Brown pled guilty July 31, 2025, to charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, illegal gun possession, and money laundering, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today.
The indictment against Brown detailed a significant fentanyl operation. Count 1 charged BROWN with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, violating 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. He also admitted to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl (Count 4, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C)). Court documents reveal the conspiracy spanned from an unknown date prior to March 2022, continuing until May 29, 2024, operating within the Eastern District of Louisiana. Brown attempted to move large quantities – 400 grams or more – in August and October 2023.
The drug dealing wasn’t Brown’s only offense. Count 6 accused him of possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i). On May 29, 2024, authorities raided a residence in the 1900 block of Desire Street, discovering not one, but three firearms: a stolen Glock Model 27 (.40 caliber), a Raven Arms (.25 caliber), and an FN Five-Seven (5.7×28 millimeter). The residence was being used as a fentanyl distribution hub.
Adding another layer to the criminal enterprise, Brown was also convicted of money laundering (Count 8, 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)(i)). He conducted financial transactions using profits from his illegal activities, actively attempting to conceal the source of the funds and continue the operation. The feds weren’t buying it. The charges carry severe penalties. For the fentanyl conspiracy (Count 1), Brown faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, potentially escalating to life in prison, plus a fine of up to $10,000,000 and at least 5 years of supervised release.
The sentencing breakdown is brutal. Count 4 carries a maximum 20-year prison term and a $1,000,000 fine. The gun charge (Count 6) demands a minimum 5 years, up to life, and a $250,000 fine. And the money laundering (Count 8) could add another 20 years and a $500,000 penalty. On top of all that, Brown will be responsible for a $100 special assessment fee for *each* count. This case is a part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, aiming to dismantle large-scale criminal organizations and reduce violent crime.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is leading the prosecution. More information on OCDETF can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This operation sends a clear message: dealing poison and firearms in New Orleans won’t be tolerated.”
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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