Supply: Nia Noelle / Nia Noelle
Two Columbus cops, Joel Mefford and John Castillo, have been arrested and charged with federal offenses, accused of stealing and promoting a number of kilograms of cocaine. The costs embrace theft from proof storage rooms and investigation scenes, in addition to promoting narcotics to a different particular person. Mefford, 34, allegedly stole 20 kilograms of cocaine from the police property room in April 2020. Additionally it is reported that he deposited over $72,000 from the gross sales into his private checking account. He’s additionally accused of gaining illegal entry to a storage throughout an investigation, discovering and taking two kilograms of cocaine and not using a warrant.
In February and March 2020, Mefford is alleged to have taken a number of kilograms of cocaine from homes throughout drug-trafficking investigations. Castillo, 31, is accused of taking round 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house in February 2021 throughout an investigation, not submitting it as proof, and planting two kilograms on the home to be found by legislation enforcement.
Each officers face federal fees for possessing with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or extra of cocaine, punishable by not less than 10 years to life in jail. Mefford faces further fees of cash laundering and two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or extra of cocaine.
The arrests mark the primary federal fees in opposition to Columbus cops since 2023-2024. Mayor Andrew Ginther expressed disgust on the officers’ alleged actions, emphasizing the dedication to accountability and rebuilding belief between the police and the neighborhood. These indictments underscore ongoing efforts to handle misconduct inside the Columbus Police Division.
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was initially revealed on
mycolumbuspower.com
