Columbus Man Will Spend More Than a Decade in Prison for Drug Trafficking Ring

Posted on 6/30/2025

Defendant: Michael Crawford

Today, a judge sentenced a Columbus man to 11-16.5 Years in prison following his conviction for drug trafficking.
 
Michael Crawford, the leader of a large drug trafficking organization, was convicted on May 21, 2025 on two counts of Trafficking Cocaine and two counts of Possession of cocaine. 
 
Background
 
In May of 2022, DEA Columbus District Office Task Force initiated an investigation into the Michael Crawford drug trafficking organization (DTO).  Investigators conducted three separate successful operations involving the same criminal associate from the Michael Crawford drug trafficking organization which totaled over $600,000.00 verified to be drug proceeds.
 
In April of 2023, surveillance indicated that the Michael Crawford DTO had just received a shipment of cocaine at an identified drug stash house in Columbus, Ohio. Investigators executed two State of Ohio search warrants at the suspected drug stash location as well as an additional residence involved. Following the warrant execution, investigators seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms, approximately $10,000 in cash, a Nissan Sentra and jewelry valued at approximately $22,000.00.
 
Investigators arrested Michael Crawford, along with Tegan Hearn, Angele Berry, and Keith Bailey on multiple first-degree felony charges related to Cocaine Trafficking and Possession charges. Hearn pled guilty to her charges and served six months in prison before being granted community control. Bailey pled guilty to trafficking specifications. He was sentenced in February to nearly four years in prison. A warrant is still out for Berry’s arrest following her July 2023 indictment.
 
“Today’s sentencing of Micheal Crawford forwards our ongoing battle against large-scale drug trafficking organizations that continue to endanger communities, says DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton. Crawford’s organization pumped poison into Ohio, fueling destruction and addiction. This outcome reflects the dedication of our agents and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to dismantle his network and bring him to justice.”
 
Prosecution was led by the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office. This is the first big conviction resulting from the partnership between the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the DEA. The Prosecutor’s Office is grateful for this collaboration. Congratulations to the prosecutors who worked to get this conviction.

Photos of the drugs and cash seized during the warrant execution: