A former Columbus police officer, John J. Kotchkoski, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking conspiracies. The U.S. District Court issued the sentence following Kotchkoski's guilty plea to charges related to distributing more than eight kilograms of fentanyl and conspiring with a confidential informant to traffic 40 kilograms of cocaine.
Kotchkoski, aged 36 and residing in Marengo, Ohio, admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl. His criminal activities spanned from June 2021 until his arrest in September 2021 while he was assigned to investigate drug crimes.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker stated, "Failing to uphold his oath to serve the residents of this great community, Kotchkoski forever stained his badge, not the badge of all the incredible men and women of the Columbus Division of Police. He should be held accountable for his misdeeds. This sentence of more than five years in prison for conspiring to distribute this poison in our community should send a message to every member of law enforcement that any such failure to uphold our oath to the community will not be tolerated."
Court documents revealed that Kotchkoski provided approximately 40 kilograms of cocaine to a confidential informant for sale, retaining most proceeds himself. He also conspired with another officer to receive a share of profits from selling fentanyl. On multiple occasions, his coconspirator distributed fentanyl and collected substantial payments, sharing proceeds with Kotchkoski.
Before his arrest in late August 2021, Kotchkoski anticipated further earnings from over eight kilograms of fentanyl supplied by his coconspirator.
In addition to imprisonment, Kotchkoski will forfeit assets including a Cadillac Escalade, a Chevrolet Corvette, more than 20 firearms, and $500,000 as part of his conviction.
Marco R. Merino, who conspired with Kotchkoski, received a nine-year prison sentence in February 2023.
The sentencing announcement came from Kenneth L. Parker along with representatives from various law enforcement agencies including Elena Iatarola from the FBI Cincinnati Division and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are handling the prosecution on behalf of the United States.