Anthony Windell Brown, a 30-year-old resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on July 31, 2025, to federal charges related to fentanyl distribution, firearms offenses, and money laundering. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
Brown admitted guilt to four counts in the indictment against him. The charges include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and money laundering.
For the conspiracy charge involving fentanyl distribution, Brown faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment, along with fines that could reach $10 million and at least five years of supervised release. The other counts carry maximum sentences ranging from three to twenty years in prison and additional fines.
According to court documents, Brown’s activities occurred prior to March 2022 through May 29, 2024. He conspired with others in distributing fentanyl within the Eastern District of Louisiana. In August and October 2023, he attempted to possess large quantities of fentanyl for distribution purposes. On May 29, 2024, authorities found him in possession of multiple semi-automatic pistols—one identified as stolen—and quantities of fentanyl at a residence on Desire Street in New Orleans used for drug distribution. Investigators also found evidence that Brown laundered proceeds from these illegal activities.
The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation targeting major criminal organizations across the United States using coordinated law enforcement efforts. More details about OCDETF are available at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case also falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative focused on reducing violent crime by fostering cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities while supporting strategies that prevent violence before it occurs.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation alongside the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne is prosecuting the case.
“The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.”
###
