Canal Winchester man convicted of firearm, drug and fraud charges
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Canal Winchester man has been found guilty of fraudulently obtaining COVID relief funds, along with narcotics and firearms charges.
A federal grand jury convicted Thomas Crowell, 35, of Canal Winchester with narcotics, firearms and fraud crimes, according to a news release from United States Attorney of the Southern District of Ohio Kenneth Parker.
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The verdict was announced on Thursday following a trial that began on Jan. 8. Crowell, who is also known as “T-Mack,” possessed, with the intent to distribute, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana in June 2021, according to court documents. He also illegally possessed firearms at the time, specifically a rifle and a Glock. Crowell is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Crowell was also convicted of wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining COVID-relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding by falsely claiming to own a trucking business called “Thomas Chrowell,” the news release said. In April 2021, Crowell applied for the PPP loan and received nearly $20,000.
Possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana carries a punishment of five years to life in prison. Illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
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