COLUMBUS, Ohio — One of the two officers with the Columbus Division of Police accused of stealing cocaine and giving it to others to sell has changed his plea, according to federal court records.
Joel Mefford, 35, appeared in federal court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and money laundering. He was also charged with initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in February. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in February.
Court documents say Mefford stole multiple kilograms of cocaine on different occasions in 2020 and gave the drugs to other people for them to sell it.
In one particular case, Mefford allegedly stole 20 kilograms of cocaine from the Columbus police property room and replaced it with fake cocaine.
Court documents also say Mefford deposited more than $72,000 in cash from the cocaine sales into his personal bank account.
John Castillo, the second officer arrested, pleaded guilty in June to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Money laundering is punishable for up to 10 years. Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine carries a potential penalty of five to 40 years in prison.
Sentencing dates for Mefford and Castillo have not been announced.
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