A Long Island woman, identified as 46-year-old Carolyn Tolin, better known by her online alias "MamaKnowsBrown," has taken a drastic fall from freedom after pleading guilty to running a nationwide fentanyl empire from her garage. The operation, which spanned nearly six months, raked in over $75,000 and involved the sale of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin.
Tolin's illicit business thrived on the dark web, where customers could anonymously purchase the deadly substances via "MamaKnowsBrown" storefront. Transactions were carried out in cryptocurrency, which Tolin would later convert into cash. The site boasted multiple shipping options and allowed customers to leave feedback, a chilling testament to the scale of her operation.
In a brazen move, each shipment included a printed overdose warning card, cautioning customers to keep Narcan nearby, avoid using alone, and be aware that the drugs were intended for experienced users due to their potency. The sheer audacity of this tactic belies the devastating consequences it would ultimately unleash on unsuspecting victims.
The authorities, however, caught wind of Tolin's operation after a raid on her garage uncovered large quantities of illicit goods, computer equipment, cell phones, and packaging materials. Her arrest marked a significant blow to the dark web, which has long been a haven for illicit activity.
Tolin faces up to 15 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision following her guilty plea. She has been behind bars since her arrest and will face court again in January. The full extent of her involvement remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the consequences of "MamaKnowsBrown"'s actions will be felt for a long time to come.
Tolin's illicit business thrived on the dark web, where customers could anonymously purchase the deadly substances via "MamaKnowsBrown" storefront. Transactions were carried out in cryptocurrency, which Tolin would later convert into cash. The site boasted multiple shipping options and allowed customers to leave feedback, a chilling testament to the scale of her operation.
In a brazen move, each shipment included a printed overdose warning card, cautioning customers to keep Narcan nearby, avoid using alone, and be aware that the drugs were intended for experienced users due to their potency. The sheer audacity of this tactic belies the devastating consequences it would ultimately unleash on unsuspecting victims.
The authorities, however, caught wind of Tolin's operation after a raid on her garage uncovered large quantities of illicit goods, computer equipment, cell phones, and packaging materials. Her arrest marked a significant blow to the dark web, which has long been a haven for illicit activity.
Tolin faces up to 15 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision following her guilty plea. She has been behind bars since her arrest and will face court again in January. The full extent of her involvement remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the consequences of "MamaKnowsBrown"'s actions will be felt for a long time to come.