A Columbus man, Ricco Lamonte Maye, has been found guilty on all counts for leading drug, sex trafficking, and financial fraud conspiracies. The jury's decision came after a trial that started on October 31 and concluded with the verdict announced on November 21 before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.
The prosecution demonstrated that Maye used threats, violence, and manipulation of drug dependencies to ensure compliance with his criminal operations. "The jury correctly found today that Ricco Maye is a dangerous man who used violence and threats of drug withdrawal to coerce victims into engaging in illegal activity for his own profit," stated U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker.
Maye was involved in various criminal activities, including using individuals to buy and sell drugs, exploiting women for sex work, and fraudulently applying for COVID-19 relief funds. These crimes reportedly benefited him financially.
Since at least 2018, Maye's organization distributed narcotics primarily to addicts in street-level quantities across Columbus. He accepted cash or other items like stolen goods as payment for drugs. Women were initially given drugs for free but later coerced into prostitution to support their addiction.
In one instance, Maye provided fentanyl that led to an overdose death in November 2018 after the victim sought cocaine from him but received a fatal dose instead.
Trial testimony also revealed Maye's use of violence against victims within his drug trafficking operations. He was accused of physically assaulting individuals by "stomping victims out," breaking bones, and knocking out teeth.
Additionally, Maye was part of a financial conspiracy involving fraudulent claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance exceeding $30,000.
Following his arrest in November 2020 and subsequent federal custody, Maye attempted to obstruct justice by threatening potential witnesses involved in the investigation against him.
Due to prior convictions related to federal drug trafficking offenses, Maye faces severe penalties including mandatory life imprisonment sentences related to specific charges such as distributing controlled substances resulting in death.
Officials announcing the verdict included Kenneth L. Parker; Daryl S. McCormick from ATF; Elena Iatarola from FBI Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; along with other officials from various agencies associated with the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s commission.
Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley are representing the United States in this case.