COLUMBUS – Columbus police chief Elaine Bryant says the arrests of two narcotics officers on federal drug and bribery charges are “beyond disturbing” and the officers have been relieved of duty.
Bryant issued a statement Wednesday morning, following the arrests of Marco Merino and John Kotchkoski.
“These allegations are beyond disturbing. If proven, such actions would violate the oath our officers take, the standards we must hold ourselves to, and the trust of the public. These officers have been relieved of duty pending the outcome of their criminal cases. We have, and will continue to, work cooperatively with federal authorities. Because this is an ongoing investigation, I cannot comment further on these cases. This alleged conduct does not reflect the values of this division, or the excellent work being done by its employees. I will say it again: when my officers do what’s right, I will always have their back. When they don’t, they will be held accountable.” -Chief Elaine Bryant, Columbus Div. of Police
“I am flat out angry,” Mayor Andrew Ginther wrote. “The allegations are disturbing and represent a complete breach of trust.”
According to court documents, Merino and Kotchkoski, both members of the Columbus Division of Police drug cartel unit, were allegedly involved in the distribution of approximately seven and a half kilograms of fentanyl and Merino also allegedly accepted bribes to protect the transportation of what he thought was a shipment of cocaine.
Kotchoski is due to make an initial appearance in federal court Wednesday and Merino is scheduled to appear for a virtual detention hearing Thursday.
A criminal complaint claims Merino, 44, of Columbus, allegedly tried to recruit a confidential informant to traffic drugs with him, promising protection to the individual, and said he could shield the informant from investigation by law enforcement agencies, said Vipal Patel, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio.
Kotchkoski, 33, of Marengo, allegedly provided the drugs to Merino and maintained radio contact with Merino to make calls to protect the safe transportation of at least 27 kilograms of cocaine, Patel said.
Authorities say Merino intended to gain citizenship in Mexico and traveled to Mexico in July as part of a plan to launder their drug proceeds by purchasing properties in Mexico to run as Airbnb’s.
Merino allegedly accepted a total of $44,000 in cash in exchange for protecting the safe transport of the cocaine in March, April, May, August and September without knowing that there was no actual cocaine and each of the transactions was controlled by federal investigators, according to court documents.
In June and August, Merino allegedly distributed approximately seven and a half kilograms of fentanyl, worth between $60,000 and $80,000, provided by Kotchkoski.
Possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl is by a sentence of 10 years to life in prison and bribery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, Patel said.