COLUMBUS — A former Columbus narcotics officer has pleaded guilty to federal drug and bribery charges.
The FBI arrested Marco Merino in September on charges of distributing fentanyl and attempting to smuggle other drugs, as well as accepting $45,000 in bribes to protect cocaine shipments.
The 45-year-old Merino pleaded Tuesday to both counts, with no sentencing date set.
He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Merino resigned from the Columbus police department in October.
His attorney declined to comment.
Charges are still pending against former officer John Kotchkoski, 33, of Marengo, who was arrested with Merino on a drug distribution charge.