MINEOLA, NY – A Hempstead man has been indicted on drug trafficking, weapons possession, and animal fighting charges after authorities seized fentanyl-laced pills, a loaded handgun, and seven dogs allegedly used for dogfighting, Nassau County prosecutors announced.
Kevin Brown, 39, was arraigned on March 12 before Judge Caryn Fink on a 34-count indictment that includes charges of criminal possession and sale of controlled substances, criminal possession of a weapon, conspiracy, and multiple felony counts related to animal fighting. Prosecutors allege Brown was in possession of more than 1,000 fentanyl-laced pills, an illegal firearm, and dogfighting equipment when law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in December 2024.
Authorities began investigating Brown after an overdose incident at his Hempstead residence in September 2024. Following months of surveillance, Nassau County Police and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents obtained a search warrant and raided the property, recovering 1,053 pills, of which 771 tested positive for fentanyl. Investigators also found a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun with an additional magazine, as well as other narcotics, including ketamine and hydrocodone.
Alongside the drugs and weapons, authorities discovered seven pit bulls kept in unsanitary and confined conditions, many tethered with heavy chains and showing scars consistent with dogfighting. Some of the dogs had fresh wounds, and others exhibited signs of having been bred for fighting. Investigators also found a spring pole, a modified treadmill, and other paraphernalia commonly used in dogfighting operations. Based on these conditions, a second warrant was obtained to seize the dogs and related equipment.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly denounced the alleged crimes, emphasizing the deadly consequences of fentanyl distribution and the cruelty of dogfighting. “Selling dangerous drugs is often associated with the cruelty of dogfighting, and this defendant allegedly possessed and sold pills containing enough fentanyl to kill more than 65,000 people while also housing, breeding, and training seven pit bulls to fight,” Donnelly said. “Both crimes show a blatant disregard for life and neither will ever be tolerated in Nassau County.”
Brown pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or a $500,000 partially secured bond. The court also barred him from owning or controlling any animals while the case is pending. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Nassau County Police Department, and Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NCSPCA). Authorities continue to investigate the case as prosecutors seek to hold Brown accountable for the alleged offenses.
