COLUMBUS, Ohio — Joel M. Mefford, a former Columbus police officer, has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for his role in stealing and trafficking more than 15 kilograms of cocaine and laundering the proceeds. The 35-year-old from London, Ohio, misused his position as a drug crimes investigator to carry out his illegal activities.
Between February and April 2020, Mefford, alongside another officer, stole cocaine during investigations and from the police evidence room. Their actions included unlawfully entering a garage without a warrant to seize drugs and misappropriating narcotics from crime scenes on multiple occasions. In one instance, they replaced stolen cocaine with fake substances.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker emphasized the severity of Mefford’s crimes, stating, “Crimes like those that Mefford committed undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system. Mefford abused his official position for personal gain. Today’s substantial prison sentence is necessary to reflect the gravity of his offenses and to promote respect for the law. Corrupt public servants will be held accountable.”
Mefford’s illegal activities included:
- In February 2020, unlawfully entered a garage and stole one of two kilograms of cocaine found in the rafters.
- In March 2020, multiple kilograms of cocaine were seized from two Columbus houses stealing part of the haul.
- In April 2020, taking 10 to 20 kilograms of cocaine from the police property room was later replaced with fake cocaine.
Mefford deposited over $72,000 from drug sales into his personal bank account and received approximately $130,000 in total from these illegal activities.
Indicted in December 2023, Mefford pled guilty in August 2024 to multiple charges, including possessing with intent to distribute significant amounts of cocaine and money laundering. His sentence marks a significant step in holding corrupt public servants accountable and maintaining the integrity of the justice system.
