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Fentanyl Trafficking Scandal Rocks Columbus PD
Columbus, Ohio – Two Columbus Division of Police officers, Marco R. Merino, 44, and John J. Kotchkoski, 33, have been charged with federal crimes related to the distribution of at least 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl. Merino is also accused of accepting bribes to protect the transportation of cocaine.
According to court documents, Merino allegedly tried to recruit a confidential informant to traffic drugs with him, promising law enforcement protection and claiming he could intervene if other agencies investigated the informant.
Court documents detail that Merino intended to gain citizenship in Mexico as part of a plan to launder drug proceeds. He allegedly planned to buy properties in Mexico to run as Airbnb properties and traveled to Mexico in July.
Specifically, it is alleged that Merino accepted a total of $44,000 in cash in exchange for protecting the safe transport of at least 27 kilograms of cocaine between March, April, May, August, and September 2021. Unbeknownst to Merino, there was no actual cocaine, and each of the transactions was controlled by federal law enforcement.
During the transports of the purported cocaine, Kotchkoski allegedly made himself available by radio to make any calls that Merino might need, including to other law enforcement officials, to protect the safe transportation of the cocaine. Cell phone data places Kotchkoski near Merino during the transports.
In June and August 2021, Merino allegedly distributed approximately 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl that Kotchkoski provided to him. It is alleged that Merino would make between $60,000 and $80,000 for the sale of the fentanyl.
Possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl is a federal crime punishable by 10 years and up to life in prison. Federal Program Bribery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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