John Kotchkowski
John Kotchkowski
John Kotchkowski, a former Columbus, Ohio police officer, is accused of distributing fentanyl and trying to smuggle cocaine while working as part of an organized drug trafficking ring.
On Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted Kotchkoski and co-defendant Marco Merino for their alleged roles in an illegal cocaine and fentanyl distribution ring. This is an extremely serious case that likely means they will both face prison time.
Early Life and Education
Early on in life, children learn a great deal about themselves and the world around them. Parents serve as their first educators and often instruct them about the alphabet, shapes and colors.
However, for healthy development of children, they require active stimulation and socialization with others. This misunderstanding leads many people to believe that learning begins in school; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), children’s brain development occurs rapidly between birth and eight years old. These formative years are essential for building social skills, self-esteem and moral character.
Early childhood education is a field that addresses the critical developmental milestones, skills and concepts children acquire between birth and age 8. Its goal is to prepare students for lifelong learning experiences.
Professional Career
He has earned an impressive array of awards and honors. Additionally, he is widely credited for revolutionizing the design of fire extinguishers.
He is employed by the city of Columbus and earns an annual salary of $142,129 according to public records. Additionally, he holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Ohio State University.
He is a member of the Police Department’s Drug Cartel Unit and was previously associated with the Department of Defense’s Counterterrorism Division, serving as military attache in Turkey for several years. Furthermore, he holds memberships in both the National Institute of Justice and Ohio Law Enforcement Officers Association; additionally he has been an International Police Association member since 1996. Originally from Venezuela, he immigrated to America with his family during economic decline when their home country faced serious economic difficulties.
Achievements and Honors
John was an outstanding athlete at Wyoming Seminary, earning him recognition as an All-Scholastic football player and wrestler. Additionally, John earned the title of Sunday Dispatch Outstanding Student-Athlete.
Coach Richardson spent six years coaching wrestling at James Madison University and seven years teaching high school students in Virginia. During that time he produced four college All Americans and four state champions.
He served in the United States Army for 22 years in infantry and retired as a Master Sergeant after earning several awards and commendations. As patriarch and father to two sons, Mike and David, he had an immense impact on those around him – especially his nieces, nephews and extended family members. Additionally, he devoted himself to Boy Scouting by serving as Scoutmaster for 13 years.
Personal Life
John Kotchkowski was a dedicated husband and father who wanted to create an ideal life for himself and his family. With no criminal record, his dream was to work in law enforcement.
He was raised in Venezuela before moving to the United States with his parents in 1996. Inspired by his personality and desire for personal service, he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement.
On Friday, Kotchkoski admitted his involvement in a conspiracy with fellow narcotics officer Marco Merino to traffic fentanyl between June and September 2021. As part of his plea, he forfeited cash, firearms, two vehicles and a $500,000 money judgment against him – an amount which represents a conservative estimate of how much profit Kotchkoski personally made by dealing the drug.
Net Worth
John Kotchkoski boasts a net worth of $16 million. He was previously employed as a police officer on Columbus’ West Side before relocating to Marengo.
On Tuesday, Kotchkoski was arrested alongside Columbus narcotics officer Marco Merino and charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. As federal agents seized drugs, weapons, and cash related to their crimes, the two were apprehended.
The second officer entered a plea agreement that allowed him to surrender his Cadillac Escalade, 2021 Chevy Corvette and more than $500,000 in cash as well as 21 firearms. Additionally, he admitted conspiring to distribute fentanyl. His wife also entered a guilty plea on drug charges related to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.