William M. Totten, 55, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, is headed to federal prison for 125 months after being convicted of running a high-volume cocaine trafficking organization in central Ohio. The sentence, handed down today in U.S. District Court, caps a years-long investigation into a network that flooded Columbus neighborhoods with more than 20 kilograms of cocaine.
Totten’s operation relied on two key locations: a residence in Columbus and his home in Canal Winchester. Both served as stash houses for narcotics and meeting points for illicit deals. On December 6, 2013, federal agents raided Totten’s Canal Winchester basement and found 10 plastic-wrapped bundles—each containing two kilograms of cocaine—stashed out of sight. Additional cocaine and kilogram-sized packaging with residue were also seized.
The bust was the result of a sprawling, multi-agency investigation involving the IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI Cincinnati Division, Columbus Division of Police, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The DEA provided critical intelligence that helped dismantle the ring. U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman confirmed the collaboration was instrumental in bringing Totten and four co-defendants to justice.
Totten pleaded guilty on September 5, 2014, to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and one count of money laundering. He admitted to using the drug proceeds to fund a hidden lifestyle of cash, luxury items, and real estate—all now subject to forfeiture.
As part of his plea agreement, Totten agreed to forfeit nearly $95,000 in cash, high-value jewelry, and three real properties tied to the drug enterprise. Authorities say the seizure is meant to strip the operation of its financial infrastructure and deter future trafficking activity.
U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson imposed the sentence, calling the operation a serious threat to public safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Kelley prosecuted the case for the United States. U.S. Attorney Glassman praised the joint task force effort, calling it a blueprint for dismantling organized crime in central Ohio.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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