Indiana Couple Sentenced After Fentanyl Kills Toddler, Poisons Infant

An Indiana couple has been sentenced to federal prison for the death of a toddler and the non-fatal overdose of an infant after a fentanyl exposure inside an Evansville home.

Tragic Incident in Evansville Detailed by Authorities

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana released a statement on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, explaining the heartbreaking details of an incident that occurred on October 26, 2021, that resulted in the death of a three-year-old Evansville girl and the poisoning of an 18-month-old little girl.

Fentanyl Pills Stored in Shared Home with Children

Authorities say that 36-year-old Arcinial Montreal Watt had been keeping "at least 400 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills" in the bedroom he shared with his 27-year-old girlfriend, Jazmynn Alaina Brown. According to the report, Brown sub-leased the bedroom in a home she shared with two other women and their four children, ages four, three, 18 months, and 2 months, and they say the pills were sold and divided for sale inside the home.

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Children Accessed Deadly Fentanyl Pills Left Unsecured

After the three older children accessed the room shared by Brown and Watt, they removed a bag containing pills waiting to be sold. The pills were spilled from their plastic bag, exposing the children to direct contact with fentanyl. The drug is lethal even in small dosages.

One Child Dies, Another Survives After Narcan Treatment

Authorities say that the three-year-old was pronounced dead the next morning as a result of fentanyl poisoning. The 18-month-old girl was taken to the hospital, where she received medical intervention and a Narcan drip that allowed her to survive her fentanyl poisoning.

Authorities Seize Thousands of Fentanyl Pills and Cash

The report from the U.S. Attorney's Office revealed that over 5,750 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills marked with M30 were seized during the investigation, along with over $25,000 in cash and a firearm.

READ MORE: Evansville Man Faces Drugs Charges After Backyard Explosion

Sentencing Handed Down by U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana

U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman has sentenced the couple for their roles in the drug operation that resulted in the fentanyl-related death of the three-year-old. Watt pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death" and was sentenced to 20 years in a federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Additionally, Watt was ordered to pay restitution of $6,007.

Brown pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime," and she was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Multi-Agency Investigation Led to Justice for Victims

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Evansville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration worked together to investigate this case, and the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crime Task Force provided additional assistance.

Help Is Available for Those Struggling with Substance Use

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, help is available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers free, confidential support 24/7. You can call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit samhsa.gov to find treatment options and support services near you.