Columbus drug, human trafficking ringleader gets 30 years in prison
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Pickerington man who was a co-leader of a drug and human trafficking ring was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison, according to federal prosecutors.
Cordell Washington, 38, ran a drug trafficking organization in Columbus with Patrick Saultz from 2008 until 2022, which also included sex trafficking, fraud and money laundering, prosecutors said.
Washington was sentenced on drug, gun, human trafficking and money laundering charges. Saultz was sentenced to prison in March.
The case was announced in 2022 after 11 people were indicted for allegedly distributing fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine near an elementary school. Twelve more people were later charged.
Prosecutors said drugs were brought into Columbus to be used to coerce people into sexual activity for members of the drug ring. Many of the drug deals reportedly took place within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School.
One subordinate sold about $18,000 in narcotics per day out of the location near the school.
In April 2024, Washington admitted to labor trafficking, and said he would provide men with drugs after they completed construction or cleaning projects at homes owned by the organization, according to prosecutors.
He would provide the men with small amounts of drugs for the physical labor. If he wasn't pleased with the work, prosecutors said he would refuse to give them the rest of the drugs and would threaten them with violence.
So far, 11 of the 23 people charged in the case have been sentenced, including six who have been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.
At least one overdose death and one other death are linked to the case, according to prosecutors.