DOJ Reveals Details of Shocking Case
Columbus, OH – In a gripping revelation by the Department of Justice, a former Columbus police officer has confessed to stealing cocaine from crime scenes and evidence rooms, later selling the drugs for more than $100,000. Joel M. Mefford, 35, of London, Ohio, pled guilty on Tuesday to multiple drug-related charges, the DOJ confirmed in a statement.
The charges and guilty plea
Mefford’s guilty plea includes 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. The DOJ’s release highlights the severity of these charges, which stem from Mefford’s actions during his tenure with the Columbus Police Department.
The Operation: Stealing and trafficking cocaine
Assigned to investigate drug crimes, Mefford, along with a fellow officer, engaged in a scheme to “steal and traffic cocaine” on three separate occasions between February and April 2020. Federal prosecutors detailed the events in a comprehensive statement.
February 2020: The first theft
The initial incident occurred in February 2020, during an investigation into a drug crime. The DOJ reported that the officers “unlawfully gained access to a detached garage” of the person under investigation. Inside, they discovered two kilograms of cocaine hidden in the rafters. The officers took one kilogram without a warrant and “left the other to be found during the execution of a search warrant the next morning.” The stolen kilogram was then given to another individual to sell.
The pattern repeated in March 2020. On March 7, while investigating known drug-trafficking houses, the officers arrested an individual but not before seizing a bag containing “multiple kilograms of cocaine.” Later, they targeted another house under investigation, stealing yet another kilogram of the drug.
DOJ’s statement and legal proceedings
The DOJ’s statement provides a clear picture of Mefford’s criminal activities and the legal consequences he now faces. “This case underscores the importance of integrity within law enforcement agencies,” the DOJ emphasized, highlighting the breach of trust Mefford’s actions represent.
As Mefford awaits sentencing, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within law enforcement and the critical need for oversight. The DOJ’s diligent investigation and subsequent prosecution aim to restore public trust and ensure accountability.