CrimeOhio

Betrayal of duty ends in a prison term for an ex-officer who stole and sold cocaine

Columbus, Ohio – A former Columbus police officer, Joel M. Mefford, has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for his involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. The 35-year-old officer from London, Ohio, who was assigned to investigate drug crimes, used his position to engage in illegal activities, including stealing and selling large quantities of cocaine.

Abuse of Power and Criminal Activity

Between February and April 2020, Mefford, along with another officer, carried out a series of illegal acts that undermined the integrity of law enforcement. According to court documents, the duo began their criminal activities in February 2020 by unlawfully entering a garage without a warrant during a drug investigation. They discovered two kilograms of cocaine in the rafters, seized one kilogram for personal gain, and left the other to be found during a subsequent legal search.

Their illegal operations continued in March 2020 when they seized a bag containing multiple kilograms of cocaine from a house on Ambleside Drive in Columbus. Later that day, they removed another kilogram of cocaine from a house on Kilbourne Avenue. Mefford turned in one kilogram as evidence but kept the remaining cocaine, which was sold by a third party.

In April 2020, Mefford and the other officer escalated their criminal activities by stealing between 10 and 20 kilograms of cocaine from the Columbus police property room. To cover their tracks, they replaced the stolen drugs with fake cocaine. Mefford used his police cruiser to transport the drugs, which were later sold, generating significant profits. Mefford received approximately $130,000 from the cocaine sales, depositing more than $72,000 into his personal bank account.

Federal Investigation and Legal Consequences

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, a team comprising special agents and officers from the FBI, the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, and the Columbus Division of Police. Their efforts exposed Mefford’s actions, leading to his indictment by a federal grand jury in December 2023.

In August 2024, Mefford pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of money laundering.

“Crimes like those that Mefford committed undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system,” stated U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Mefford abused his official position for personal gain. This substantial prison sentence is necessary to reflect the gravity of his offenses and to promote respect for the law. Corrupt public servants will be held accountable.”

The sentencing highlights the commitment of federal agencies to combat public corruption and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that justice prevails even when law enforcement officers betray their oath.

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