Two Columbus police narcotics officers are facing federal charges after being arrested by the FBI in a drug trafficking investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio says officers Marco Merino, 44, and John Kotchkoski, 33, who both worked in the division’s Narcotics Bureau, were involved in distributing about 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl this summer. According to prosecutors, Kotchkoski supplied the fentanyl to Merino, who stood to make an estimated $60,000 to $80,000 from the sale.
Court documents also allege that between March and September, Merino accepted $44,000 in cash to protect shipments of what he believed were 27 kilograms of cocaine. Federal agents controlled each of those transactions, and no real cocaine was involved. Prosecutors say Kotchkoski made himself available by radio during the transports. Investigators also allege Merino tried to recruit an informant to traffic drugs with him.
Merino is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and federal program bribery. The office of Acting U.S. Attorney Vipal J. Patel is asking that both men be held until trial. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said both officers have been relieved of duty while their cases play out. “These allegations are beyond disturbing,” Bryant said, adding that the division is cooperating with federal authorities.
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