CrimeOhio

Federal court hands down seven-year prison sentence to Columbus man for illegal firearm and drug crimes

Columbus, Ohio – A Columbus man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after being convicted of possessing illegal drugs and a firearm near a local school. Adrian McKinney, 29, received an 84-month prison term in U.S. District Court for his crimes, which took place in the Wedgewood Village Apartment Complex.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

In March 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McKinney’s apartment, located within 1,000 feet of Wedgewood Middle School. Officers found a loaded multi-caliber firearm along with fentanyl and cocaine inside the residence. Due to his prior felony convictions, McKinney was prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

The investigation was conducted by the Wedgewood Enforcement Team, which was established by the Columbus Division of Police in October 2023. The team focuses on reducing crime in the Wedgewood Village Apartment Complex, a high-crime area with 700 residential units located near multiple schools.

Prior Convictions and Guilty Plea

Court records show that McKinney had previous convictions for various state narcotics offenses and was under court supervision when the latest crimes were committed. In August 2024, McKinney pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine near a school, illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Law Enforcement Response

Federal and local law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of this conviction in making Columbus neighborhoods safer. “This case underscores our commitment to holding individuals accountable who bring drugs and firearms into our communities, especially near schools,” said Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Parker, along with Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch.

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