Categories: CrimeNews

Ohio man, 32, sentenced for stealing and selling cocaine

OHIO — John Castillo, 32, a former Columbus police officer, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison Wednesday for possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court in Columbus.

According to court documents, Castillo, who was previously assigned to investigate drug crimes, conspired with another officer in February 2021 to steal and sell approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine.

The officers removed the cocaine from a house on North Everett Avenue without reporting it as evidence.

They planted two additional kilograms of cocaine at the residence for law enforcement to find later that day.

The stolen cocaine was stored in the other officer’s basement before being handed off to a third party to sell.

Castillo was arrested in February 2024 and pleaded guilty to the charges in June 2024.

The case was announced by Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cincinnati Division.

The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus Jr.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes agents and officers from the FBI, the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, and the Columbus Division of Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Elizabeth A. Geraghty prosecuted the case.

Ohio Statewide Staff

Share
Published by
Ohio Statewide Staff

Recent Posts

Two people arrested following drug bust in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA — Two individuals were arrested on felony drug charges in West Asheville on…

17 hours ago

Eight people arrested following drug bust in Florida

FLORIDA — Authorities in Polk County have arrested eight suspects and seized 64 pounds of…

17 hours ago

Authorities searching for missing person in Ohio

OHIO — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating 17-year-old Jamon Raphael Byrd,…

20 hours ago

Police searching for wanted vehicle theft suspect in Ohio

OHIO — Authorities are asking for the public’s help identifying a female suspect involved in…

20 hours ago

Authorities attempting to locate wanted fugitive in Indiana

INDIANA — Authorities are seeking Casey Kantorowski, a 5-foot-7, 165-pound white male with brown hair…

20 hours ago

Two people arrested following drug bust in Kansas

KANSAS — The Salina Drug Task Force arrested two people and seized a large quantity…

20 hours ago