[ad_1]
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Two narcotics officers who are part of the Ohio Capital Police Force have been arrested by the FBI on charges relating to the distribution of fentanyl and attempted smuggling of other drugs federal prosecutors said on Wednesday.
Columbus officers John Kotchkoski, 33, and Marco Merino, 44, were arrested Tuesday by FBI agents. Both were in custody and it was not clear whether either of the men had retained the services of a lawyer. Anyone could be sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty.
The two agents were involved in the distribution of approximately 7 1/2 kilograms of fentanyl, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Merino is also accused of accepting a total of $ 44,000 in cash bribes to protect the cocaine transport on various occasions between March and September this year, although authorities have said there had no real cocaine and that each transaction was controlled by federal law enforcement.
While the alleged cocaine was being transported, authorities said Kotchkoski made himself available to make any calls Merino might need to protect the shipment, including to other law enforcement officials.
Merino also tried to recruit a confidential informant to deal drugs with him, according to court documents, and allegedly promised that person protection from law enforcement. The documents also show that Merino intended to obtain Mexican citizenship as part of a drug laundering scheme.
Kotchkoski first appeared in a virtual hearing in federal court in Columbus on Wednesday afternoon and was ordered to be kept awaiting a detention hearing on Friday afternoon, the Columbus Dispatch reported. Merino, whose initial appearance was on Tuesday, was due to have a detention hearing on Thursday.
“These allegations are more than disturbing,” Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said in a statement on Wednesday. “If proven, such actions would violate the oath our officers take, the standards we must adhere to and the public trust. “
Bryant, who has only been in office since June, said the two officers have been suspended pending the outcome of criminal cases.
“I repeat: when my officers do the right thing, I will always stand by them,” said Bryant. “If they don’t, they will be held accountable. “
The Fraternal Order of Police Capitol City Lodge # 9, a police union, said it was aware of the allegations and said if the allegations are true, “these people have no place” in the union or the Columbus Police.
[ad_2]
Source link