A Pickerington man was sentenced Thursday in federal court to 30 years in prison for his role in a drug and human trafficking ring.
Authorities said Cordell Washington, 38, helped lead a large-scale organization with co-defendant Patrick Saultz from 2008 to 2022. The case has 23 defendants.
Court documents state that the organization brought large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs into Columbus.
Officials say drugs were used to coerce people into sex for some members of the ring.
Officers seized more than $1.7 million in drug proceeds.
Most of the drug dealing took place at a South Burgess Drive residence within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School in the Hilltop neighborhood.
Washington pleaded guilty in 2024 to drug, gun, human trafficking and money laundering charges. As part of his plea, Washington admitted to labor trafficking male drug addicts.
Saultz was sentenced to 30 years in prison in March.