Columbus, Ohio – A former Columbus police officer, 36-year-old John J. Kotchkoski of Marengo, has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving more than eight kilograms of fentanyl and 40 kilograms of cocaine. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
Betrayal of Public Trust
Kotchkoski, while serving as a law enforcement officer tasked with investigating drug crimes, violated his oath and engaged in criminal activities. From June 2021 until his arrest in September 2021, Kotchkoski conspired with another Columbus police officer and a confidential informant to traffic large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker emphasized the severity of this betrayal, stating, “Failing to uphold his oath to serve the residents of this great community, Kotchkoski forever stained his badge… This sentence…should send a message to every member of law enforcement that any such failure…will not be tolerated.”
Details of the Conspiracy
Court documents revealed that Kotchkoski provided the confidential informant with 40 kilograms of cocaine, keeping most of the proceeds from its sale. Additionally, Kotchkoski and his coconspirator facilitated the distribution of fentanyl, receiving significant profits in return. On at least three occasions, the coconspirator sold kilogram quantities of fentanyl for $32,500 each, with Kotchkoski receiving a share of these proceeds.
In August 2021, Kotchkoski anticipated receiving additional profits from the sale of more than eight kilograms of fentanyl. However, his arrest prevented him from obtaining the proceeds.
Forfeiture and Guilty Plea
As part of his conviction, Kotchkoski will forfeit a Cadillac Escalade, a Chevrolet Corvette, more than 20 firearms and a money judgment totaling half a million dollars. He pleaded guilty in April 2022 to charges of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
Kotchkoski’s coconspirator, Marco R. Merino, was sentenced in February 2023 to nine years in prison for his involvement in the conspiracy.
Joint Efforts in Prosecution
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Cincinnati Division, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI’s Public Corruption Task Force, with assistance from the Columbus Division of Police. U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, FBI Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost jointly announced the sentencing. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty.
Kotchkoski’s sentence highlights the importance of accountability and integrity in law enforcement and serves as a stern warning against abuses of power within the justice system.
