Joseph Hill, Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Ohio 2014

In a shocking turn of events, four Columbus men have pleaded guilty to murder in connection with a racketeering case involving the organized criminal enterprise known as the Short North Posse.

According to sources, Joseph Hill, 31, Christopher V. Wharton, 25, Troy A. Patterson, 24, and Ishmael Bowers, 33, each pleaded guilty to one count of murder in aid of racketeering. Hill also pleaded guilty to a second count of murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Wharton also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

The four defendants face a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.

The investigation into the Short North Posse began in October 2014, when a superseding indictment was filed against 20 individuals, including the four defendants, with charges ranging from murder to extortion and robbery.

U.S. Attorney Carter M. Stewart commended the two-year-long investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, Columbus Police, Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott’s Office, and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David DeVillers, Kevin Kelley, and Brian Martinez, as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Lowe with Franklin County Prosecutor O’Brien’s Office, are prosecuting the case.

The case against the Short North Posse highlights the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Columbus, Ohio.

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