U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker | U.S. Department of Justice
A Columbus man, Ricco Lamonte Maye, has been found guilty on all counts related to leading drug, sex trafficking, and financial fraud conspiracies. The jury's decision was reached after a trial that commenced on October 31 and concluded with the verdict announcement on November 21 before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison.
According to U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, "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." The prosecution demonstrated that Maye orchestrated various criminal operations targeting vulnerable individuals and attempted to obstruct justice in order to avoid accountability.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Maye exploited individuals by involving them in drug distribution, sex trafficking, and fraudulent applications for COVID-19 relief funds. He reportedly began these activities at least as early as 2018. Maye's organization distributed narcotics primarily to addicts in small quantities, using stolen goods and other items as payment.
Maye also manipulated women into prostitution by initially providing drugs for free and then requiring them to earn money through sex work. He arranged logistics such as hotel accommodations and transportation while enforcing rules through violence.
Additionally, Maye was implicated in a fentanyl-related overdose death from November 2018. Testimony detailed his violent tactics against victims within his organization, including physical assaults resulting in serious injuries.
In the realm of financial fraud, Maye was involved in filing false claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, securing over $30,000 unlawfully.
After being indicted in November 2020, Maye remained in federal custody. Following his arrest, he attempted to interfere with the investigation into his criminal activities by threatening potential witnesses.
Due to a prior federal drug trafficking conviction, Maye faces a mandatory life sentence for distributing substances leading to death. His other charges carry significant potential penalties ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.
The case involved collaboration among multiple agencies including the ATF, FBI Cincinnati Division, Columbus Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and others under the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force established by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s commission.
Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States government.
