Cordell Washington, a key leader in a sprawling criminal enterprise spanning drug and human trafficking, was sentenced today in federal court to 360 months (30 years) in prison for a litany of drug, gun, human trafficking, and money laundering crimes.
Washington, 38, of Pickerington, operated a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus alongside co-defendant Patrick Saultz from 2008 until June 2022, with operations that also encompassed sex trafficking, labor trafficking, fraud, and extensive money laundering.
The sentencing of Washington marks a significant victory for a multi-agency law enforcement task force that has been dismantling the criminal network since its initial announcement in July 2022. The case involved 23 defendants, 18 of whom have now been sentenced, with six receiving more than a decade in prison. Co-defendant Patrick Saultz was sentenced to 30 years in prison in March 2025.
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“Today’s sentencing of Cordell Washington sends a clear message that those who exploit our communities through drug peddling and human misery will face the full force of justice,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris. “This lengthy prison term reflects the gravity of his crimes and the tireless dedication of our law enforcement partners.”
Court documents paint a stark picture of the organization’s reach and depravity. The drug trafficking ring flooded Columbus with massive quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam, and marijuana. These narcotics were not only sold for profit but also used to coerce vulnerable individuals into sexual activity for the benefit of the ring members.
Investigations revealed that drug dealing frequently occurred within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School in Columbus, particularly from a residence on South Burgess. At this location, subordinates of Washington and Saultz reportedly sold approximately $18,000 worth of narcotics daily. The case also tragically involves the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim.
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Washington’s plea in April 2024 brought to light his horrific labor trafficking scheme, where he exploited male drug addicts. He provided these men with their drug of choice in exchange for completing construction or cleaning projects at properties owned by the organization. These individuals were often recruited under severe threats of harm, with Washington manipulating their addiction by offering small drug advances and then withholding final payments or threatening violence if he was dissatisfied with their labor.
To conceal their illicit gains, Washington employed sophisticated money laundering tactics, including establishing front businesses disguised as rental, repair, and construction companies.
The extensive investigation has yielded substantial results, with law enforcement officers executing over 20 search warrants across Central Ohio and seizing more than $1.7 million in drug proceeds. This included the discovery of approximately one million dollars in bulk U.S. currency in a local storage unit, along with 47 firearms, diamonds, Rolex watches, and additional bulk cash from various residences.
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The drug trafficking organization operated out of more than 20 Columbus residences, also distributing larger quantities to regional traffickers who then funneled the narcotics to areas such as West Virginia and the Northern District of Ohio.
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