SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – A Centereach woman admitted in court Thursday to running a large-scale narcotics operation from her home that investigators say moved drugs across the country through traditional shipping services and ride-hail deliveries.
Prosecutors said 46-year-old Carolyn Tolin pleaded guilty to top felony narcotics charges for operating an online distribution network under the name “MamaKnowsBrown.”
Tolin’s operation involved shipping heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine to buyers in Suffolk County and across the nation, with payments made in cryptocurrency.
Investigators reported that the business operated between September 2024 and March of this year before authorities executed a search warrant at her home.
Tolin has been in custody since her March arrest and was remanded following her plea.
Prosecutors detail online drug marketplace
According to court documents and statements made during the plea, Tolin sold more than $75,000 worth of narcotics during the months-long operation.
Her vendor page offered multiple shipping methods and allowed customers to leave feedback, mirroring a standard e-commerce storefront, prosecutors said.
Authorities stated that Tolin mailed packages through USPS and UPS to buyers nationwide and used Uber for local deliveries within Suffolk County.
Payments were made in cryptocurrency, which she later converted to cash.
Evidence recovered from Centereach garage
During the March 14 search of her Centereach residence, investigators recovered narcotics including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine stored inside the garage.
Detectives also seized computers, phones, envelopes, packaging materials, a heat sealer, a digital scale, and partially prepared shipment parcels.
Among the items recovered were printed warning cards Tolin included in each package, advising buyers about the potency of the drugs and recommending the availability of Narcan.
Prosecutors said the cards cautioned users not to take the substances alone and indicated they were intended for experienced individuals.
Tolin pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and Attempted Operating as a Major Trafficker before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.
Sentencing set for January
Tolin faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 8, and she is represented by attorney Ian Fitzgerald.
Key Points
- Carolyn Tolin pleaded guilty to felony narcotics charges for operating an online drug distribution network from Centereach.
- Investigators say she shipped drugs nationwide using USPS, UPS, and Uber while receiving cryptocurrency payments.
- A March search uncovered narcotics, packaging materials, digital equipment, and warning cards included with orders.