COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two officers with the Columbus Division of Police were arrested on Thursday for allegedly stealing multiple kilograms of cocaine and providing it to others for them to sell.
United States Attorney Kenneth Parker says John Castillo, 31, and Joel Mefford, 34, appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon.
According to Mefford's indictment, he was investigating a drug crime in February 2020 and unlawfully gained access to a detached garage that was part of an investigation.
Without a warrant, Mefford allegedly found two kilograms of cocaine in the rafters of the garage. He then allegedly seized one of the kilograms and left the other one to be found during a search warrant the next day. Mefford then gave the stolen narcotics to someone so they could sell the drugs, according to the indictment.
In another case in February and March 2020, Mefford was investigating drug-trafficking activity at Ambleside Drive and Kilbourne Avenue on the city's north side.
On March 7, Mefford allegedly took a bag containing multiple kilograms of cocaine from a house on Ambleside Drive and arrested a suspect. He then traveled to a house on Kilbourne Avenue and removed another kilogram of cocaine. That same day, he turned in one kilogram of cocaine to evidence and stole the other kilograms to be sold.
A month later, he allegedly stole 20 kilograms of cocaine from the Columbus police property room and replaced it with fake cocaine.
Mefford is accused of depositing more than $72,000 in cash derived from the cocaine sales into his personal bank account.
Castillo’s indictment alleges that in February 2021, he took about 10 kilograms of cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue and didn't turn it into evidence.
He allegedly planted two additional kilograms of cocaine for law enforcement to discover later in the day. The 10 kilograms were allegedly stored in another person's basement before they were given to someone else to sell.
Castillo and Mefford are charged in separate indictments with possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Mefford is also charged with money laundering and two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
David Devillers, a former U.S. attorney, has prosecuted several cases similar to this throughout his career. He said these charges filed against the officers are about as serious as it gets.
"These people if proven will go to jail for a very, very long time… it’s the highest level of drug offense you can get outside of a kingpin statute,” Devillers said.
With these incidents dating back to nearly four years ago, it may cause some to wonder, what took so long? Devillers said investigators may not have been made away of this until recently.
"This isn't something that if they found out about and they could show took place they would just sit on for a long time,” Devillers said.
Mayor Andrew Ginther released a statement saying, "The alleged selfish actions of these two officers jeopardized the safety of the community, all in an effort to line their own pockets. I am disgusted. We have made great strides in rebuilding trust between police and the community, and we will not allow the actions of a few to deter our progress. CPD is fully cooperating, and the officers will be held accountable."
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant also released a statement, saying the department has been working in full collaboration with federal investigators.
“Integrity is one of the core values of the Columbus Division of Police. We expect every officer wearing this badge to hold themselves to the highest degree of honesty and transparency both on and off the job.
The blatant abuse of authority and trust these officers are accused of violates everything this division stands for and will not be tolerated. This long-term investigation stems from 2020. We have been working in full collaboration with federal investigators, and will continue to do so as this case moves forward.
These alleged crimes are not reflective of the work being done each and every day by our dedicated officers.”
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