September 5, 2014

Leader of Cocaine Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty

COLUMBUS—William Totten, 52, of Canal Winchester, Ohio pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to conspiracy and money laundering, admitting that he was responsible for distribution of more than five kilograms of cocaine in central Ohio. Totten and four others were charged in January 2014 following a cooperative investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS), Kevin Cornelius, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced Totten’s plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael Watson.

According to court documents, Totten was using a residence in Columbus and his residence in Canal Winchester to store narcotics and to conduct cocaine transactions. During a search warrant conducted at Totten’s residence on December 6, 2013, investigators found ten plastic wrapped packages—each containing two kilograms of cocaine powder concealed in the basement. Additional cocaine and kilogram-sized wrappers with residue were also seized.

Four others charged with Totten have pleaded guilty. They are:

  • Andre Broom, 47, Columbus
  • Christafer L. Jackson, 31, Pickerington
  • Donald A. Jordan, 51, Columbus
  • Lawrence G. Beavers, 46, Springfield

Broom was sentenced on Aug. 19 to 36 months in prison. The others are awaiting sentencing.

Totten agreed to forfeit the proceeds of the drug activity, which include U.S. currency, jewelry and real property. He remains in custody pending sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by the IRS, FBI, Columbus Police and Franklin County Sheriff, as well as the cooperation of the DEA which provided information vital to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Kelley and David DeVillers, who are prosecuting the case.