COLUMBUS, Ohio – An East Side man could spend decades in prison after being convicted yesterday by a federal jury for running a drug house.
Sontay Smotherman, 36, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of conspiracy, each crime punishable by at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, according to the office of US District Attorney Carter Stewart.
Authorities, including a Columbus Police narcotics detective, testified during the two-day trial in US District Court that they seized approximately $10,000 in cash, more than $10,000 worth of heroin and four firearms when task force officers executed a search warrant at the house at 401 Taylor Avenue.
Testimony also showed that over three months in 2011 the conspiracy involved more than $100,000 in heroin distributed in Columbus.
Smotherman was one of five Columbus men charged in the case.
The others have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and firearms charges and are either in prison or awaiting sentencing.
