Dayton, Ohio – Two Dayton men, Nathan Goddard, 44, and Cahke Cortner, 44, have been sentenced to life in federal prison for their roles in a narcotics conspiracy that led to the tragic death of Dayton Police Detective and DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio in 2019. The sentencing marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal process that has sought justice for Det. DelRio, who was killed in the line of duty during a federal drug raid.
Goddard, convicted of murder during a jury trial in March 2024, received a life sentence plus an additional 10 years. Cortner, who was also found guilty of multiple narcotics and firearms charges, was sentenced to life plus five years. The two men were part of a narcotics operation involving large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, and were known to use firearms, including “cop killers,” to protect their illegal activities.
Honoring the Sacrifice of Detective Jorge DelRio
“Every day DEA Special Agents and Task Force Officers put their lives on the line to protect their communities against dangerous and violent drug traffickers who threaten the safety of the American people,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “On November 7, 2019, DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the city of Dayton. Today’s sentences mean these two defendants will never walk free or hurt an innocent person again.”
The tragic incident occurred on November 4, 2019, when Det. DelRio and other law enforcement officers were executing a federal search warrant at a residence on Ruskin Road in Dayton. Upon entering the home, Det. DelRio descended the stairs to the basement and was immediately met with gunfire, resulting in his death. The government proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Goddard and Cortner were deeply involved in a narcotics conspiracy from 2018 until the day of the shooting, maintaining an arsenal of dangerous weapons to protect their drug operation.
Law Enforcement Leaders Emphasize Accountability and Justice
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker expressed solidarity with the DelRio family and emphasized the dangerous nature of law enforcement work. “We stand with the DelRio family and our law enforcement partners, and we recognize that DEA Task Force Officer Jorge DelRio sacrificed his life to protect this community,” Parker said. “Today’s sentences should also serve as a reminder to perpetrators of violent crime that we see these matters through to the end and we will hold you accountable.”
Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal also praised the sentences, recognizing them as a significant step toward closure for DelRio’s family and the Dayton community. “The Dayton Police Department is pleased to see the sentences imposed against Nathan Goddard and Cahke Cortner in the tragic shooting of Detective Jorge DelRio. It is imperative that those who inflict harm in our community are held accountable.”
Seizure of Drugs, Weapons, and Illicit Proceeds
During the investigation, law enforcement seized 10 kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, 50 to 60 pounds of marijuana, and more than $55,000 in cash from the defendants’ residence. Officials noted that the fentanyl found could have caused overdoses in nearly the entire Miami Valley, highlighting the significant threat posed by the defendants’ drug trafficking activities.
The sentences were announced by several key law enforcement officials, including U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene, and FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. The combined efforts of local and federal agencies underscored their commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and honoring the legacy of officers like Det. DelRio who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
