West Columbus, OH — A disturbing drug bust on Monday, March 24, 2025, in West Columbus has led to the arrest of a 24-year-old drug trafficking suspect and uncovered a dangerous situation involving two children. Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin announced the arrest of Kenneth Reynolds after a search warrant was executed at an apartment on Viotis Drive, where law enforcement discovered a significant amount of drugs and a stolen firearm in close proximity to children.
The operation was carried out by the Central Ohio Violence Eradication Response Team (COVERT), in collaboration with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Franklin Township Police Department. The investigation focused on the distribution of narcotics throughout Franklin County and identified Reynolds as a major suspect, allegedly trafficking cocaine in the area.
At approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 24, detectives executed the search warrant at 36 Viotis Drive. Inside the apartment, authorities found 47 grams of cocaine, along with approximately 109 grams of suspected cocaine, and $1,799 in U.S. currency. A loaded firearm, later confirmed to be stolen from Columbus, was also discovered at the scene.
What was most concerning, however, was the discovery of two children inside the apartment at the time of the raid. One of the children was found preparing lunch for school, and within arm’s reach, more than 100 grams of cocaine were found inside a Dorito’s box. Additionally, materials associated with drug manufacturing were located nearby. The stolen firearm was found loaded and unsecured on a table next to the children’s backpacks, creating a dangerous and unsafe environment.
“This level of recklessness – placing children in direct proximity to lethal drugs and unsecured, stolen firearms – is both disturbing and completely unacceptable,” Sheriff Baldwin stated. “Our priority is protecting the most vulnerable in our communities, and this case underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to eliminate violence and drug trafficking in Franklin County.”
Reynolds was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, but the investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges, including those related to the children’s exposure to dangerous substances and firearms, are expected to be filed in coordination with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case highlights the critical need for continued efforts to protect families from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and to ensure the safety of children in Franklin County.
