Six People Indicted in Million-Dollar Drug Trafficking Operation in Columbus

Posted on 2/27/2026

Defendant: Tesfai Kifle, Clarence Brooks, Rhonda Glover, Jeffrey Skipper, Awet Gebremariam, Mahawi Gebremariam

Earlier this month, a Franklin County grand jury indicted six people in connection with a drug trafficking operation that resulted in the seizure of over 230 grams of cocaine, at least 55 pounds of marijuana, and over $1 million.

Collectively, Tesfai Kifle, Clarence Brooks, Rhonda Glover, Jeffrey Skipper, Awet Gebremariam and Mahawi Gebremariam were indicted on Feb. 10 on several charges, including:

  • Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity
  • Trafficking Drugs
  • Possession of Drugs
  • Money Laundering
  • Filing Incomplete, False and Fraudulent Returns
  • Receiving Stolen Property
 
All defendants except Kifle were also indicted on firearms charges and forfeiture specifications.
 
Kifle was arrested shortly after return of the indictment.  He entered a plea of not guilty, and his bond was set at $1 million surety. The other defendants are all pending arraignment.
 
Case Background
 
Prosecutors allege that Kifle led a multiyear drug trafficking operation and funneled proceeds through family members and businesses to launder the money. Kifle did not file tax returns for himself or his businesses from 2018 through 2024. 
 
The Columbus Division of Police Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area taskforce launched an investigation into Kifle in August 2024, after they witnessed him loading suitcases into the cab of a semi-truck owned by a company he controlled. When the semi — which was bound for another state — was subsequently stopped and searched, investigators found $935,000 inside the suitcases.

The driver, who fled the country a short time later, worked for Kifle’s business. A 10-month investigation followed, ultimately leading to the execution of six search warrants.  In total, investigators seized more than $1 million, seven firearms, 230 grams of cocaine and over 100 pounds of suspected marijuana, 55 pounds of which was tested. Investigators also seized two Rolex watches with an estimated value over $100,000 and 5 designer handbags. The Nuisance Abatement Unit in our office is also seeking forfeiture of the real property into which Kifle laundered the proceeds of his criminal activity