Joel Mefford
Service Record
Columbus Ohio Division of Police
| Rank | Officer |
| Dates of Service | Hired June 2011.[1] |
| Salary | $139,845 (2022)[2] |
| Last Known Status | Active |
Commendations
2014 Special Commendation
In 2014, Mefford and other officers received a Special Commendation from the department.[3]
Incident Reports
2020 Drug Trafficking
In February 2020, Mefford was investigating a drug crime when he entered a garage belonging to the suspect. Mefford, who did not have a warrant, found two kilograms of cocaine in the garage. Mefford stole one kilogram and left the other to be found when a search warrant was served the next day. Mefford gave the drugs to someone else to sell.[4]
On March 7, 2020, Mefford was investigating other drug trafficking activity and stole multiple kilograms of cocaine.[4]
In April 2020, Mefford stole 20 kilograms of cocaine from the department's property room.[4]
Response Timeline
On February 1, 2024, Mefford was arrested and charged with possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, money laundering, and two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Mefford faces between 10 years and life in prison.[4]
On February 8, 2024, Mefford pleaded not guilty.[5]
By August 6, 2024, Mefford pleaded guilty.[6]
Public Comments
LEO Ratings
References
- ↑ Daniel Griffin, Columbus officers accused in drug scheme received high marks in personnel files, WCMH, 2024-02-06
- ↑ Joel Mefford M, Police Officer Fop, City of Columbus, govSalaries
- ↑ 2014 Annual Report, City of Columbus, 2014
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Aaron Burd, Columbus officers accused of stealing and selling ‘kilograms’ of cocaine, WCMH, 2024-02-02
- ↑ Columbus officer pleads not guilty to federal drug charges, WBNS, 2024-02-08
- ↑ Ex-Columbus officer agrees to plead guilty in stolen cocaine case, FOX 28, 2024-08-06
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