U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker | U.S. Department of Justice
A former Columbus police officer has been sentenced to 65 months in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking. John J. Kotchkoski, aged 36 and from Marengo, Ohio, was convicted of conspiring with another officer to traffic over eight kilograms of fentanyl and with a confidential informant to distribute 40 kilograms of cocaine.
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." Parker emphasized that this sentence should serve as a warning against such misconduct within law enforcement.
Court documents revealed that from June 2021 until his arrest in September 2021, Kotchkoski was involved in illegal drug trafficking while assigned to investigate drug crimes. He provided approximately 40 kilograms of cocaine to a confidential informant for sale and retained most proceeds. Additionally, he conspired with another officer to receive profits from selling fentanyl.
On at least three occasions, Kotchkoski's coconspirator distributed fentanyl and accepted $32,500 for about one kilogram each time. Kotchkoski received part of these proceeds but was arrested before receiving additional funds expected from more than eight kilograms of fentanyl.
Kotchkoski pleaded guilty in April 2022 and will forfeit several assets including vehicles, firearms, and a substantial money judgment as part of his conviction.
His coconspirator Marco R. Merino received a nine-year prison sentence in February 2023.
The sentencing announcement came from Kenneth L. Parker along with officials from various agencies including the FBI Cincinnati Division and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty.
