Arkansas – A 35-year-old Texas resident, Keith Brown, a repeat offender and leader of a large-scale criminal organization responsible for numerous pharmacy burglaries across multiple states, has been sentenced to 209 months—nearly 17 ½ years—in federal prison. United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas announced the sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. Brown’s crimes involved the theft and distribution of controlled substances valued at millions of dollars.
Multi-State Drug Trafficking and Burglary Scheme
Brown of Humble, Texas, orchestrated a drug trafficking operation that included members of a documented gang from Houston’s 5th Ward. Over the course of the investigation, authorities uncovered that Brown and his accomplices were responsible for at least 34 pharmacy burglaries in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, and Florida between July 2021 and November 2022. These break-ins resulted in the theft of over 96,000 Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and Adderall. The street value of the stolen drugs exceeded $12 million, with $1.6 million attributed to the burglaries in Arkansas alone.
In addition to the stolen drugs, investigators seized six firearms, approximately $79,000 in cash, and custom jewelry valued at $330,000 during the operation. Brown’s leadership role in this vast criminal enterprise was underscored by his direct involvement in multiple burglaries.
Criminal History and Charges
Brown’s criminal record includes previous convictions for aggravated robbery, burglary, possession of codeine, and second-degree pharmacy burglaries in Texas and Oklahoma. Following his indictment on November 8, 2022, Brown faced six federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He pleaded guilty to the charges on September 4, 2024.
The case’s scope expanded in July 2024, when a superseding indictment brought the total number of defendants to 42. Brown’s sentencing is the latest development in this extensive investigation, which highlights the widespread impact of the criminal organization he led.
Federal Sentencing and Restitution
Judge Miller sentenced Brown to 209 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Following his prison term, Brown will serve three years of supervised release. In addition, he is expected to pay more than $250,000 in restitution to the pharmacies targeted by his organization. Under federal law, there is no parole.
Ongoing Prosecution
The investigation and prosecutions continue, with trials for the remaining defendants set for April 7, 2025. Brown’s case underscores federal authorities’ commitment to holding accountable those who engage in organized criminal activity, especially when it jeopardizes public health and safety.
Brown’s sentencing reflects the severity of his actions and the coordinated effort by law enforcement to dismantle his operation. His prison term and pending restitution offer some measure of justice for the pharmacies and communities affected by his crimes.
