Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A United States District Court jury convicted Deandre Forrest, 39, of Columbus, of seven counts related to the distribution of cocaine and crack and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the verdict reached today following a three-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham.

According to court documents and testimony, from October 2016 until June 2017, Forrest conspired to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and cocaine. Forrest also possessed three revolvers and two pistols, which were used in furtherance of the drug trafficking.

Conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams or more of crack, and actual distribution of that amount of the drug, are each crimes punishable by 10 years to life in prison.

Distributing cocaine and possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it are each crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory five-year sentence up to life in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence.

U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the ATF and Columbus Division of Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys David M. DeVillers and Noah R. Litton, who are representing the United States in this case.

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