A Canal Winchester man was found guilty of getting COVID-19 aid funds illegally. He was also found guilty of drug and gun charges.
A news statement from the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Kenneth Parker says that Thomas Crowell, 35, of Canal Winchester was found guilty of drug, gun, and theft crimes by a federal grand jury.
The legal proceeding started on January 8 and the judgment was revealed on Thursday. According to court filings, Crowell, also known as “T-Mack,” had fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana in June 2021 to distribute them.
At the time, he was also in possession of two illegal firearms: a Glock and a rifle. Since Crowell has a criminal record, he is not allowed to own weapons or ammunition.
Additionally, according to the news release, Crowell was found guilty of wire fraud for deceiving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to collect COVID-relief cash by pretending to be the owner of a trucking company named “Thomas Chrowell.” Crowell filed for the PPP loan in April 2021 and was granted around $20,000.
Five years to life in prison is the penalty for possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, or marijuana with the intent to distribute them. As a convicted felon, illegal gun possession carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence; wire fraud carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.