Joel M. Mefford, 35, of London, Ohio, pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of money laundering, the DOJ said in a statement. Mefford was assigned to investigate drug crimes when he worked for the Columbus Police Department. He worked with a fellow officer to “steal and traffic cocaine” in three instances from February to April 2020, federal prosecutors said. The harshest penalty Mefford could face is at least 10 years and up to life in prison stemming from the charge of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.