COLUMBUS, Ohio | A Columbus man described by federal prosecutors as a high-level narcotics trafficker has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison following a case involving drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession and money laundering.
David Ector, 51, was sentenced Tuesday, Sept. 22, in U.S. District Court. He previously pleaded guilty in October 2025 to federal charges involving narcotics distribution, possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, federal investigators determined Ector generated millions of dollars through illegal drug sales between 2012 and 2024.
Prosecutors said Ector supplied large quantities of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to drug traffickers operating on Columbus’ west side. Investigators also found evidence that he traveled to California to obtain bulk quantities of narcotics that were then transported back to Ohio.
What came out of the case
Federal authorities said investigators uncovered several details during the investigation:
- Ector allegedly kept coded notes on his cellphone concerning drug sales.
- Investigators found a ledger containing nicknames and amounts allegedly owed.
- Prosecutors said Ector used a business called Daze Auto Sales as part of a money-laundering operation.
- The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles reportedly had no records showing Daze Auto Sales had purchased, sold or owned vehicles in Ohio.
- Investigators said Ector arranged numerous deposits into different bank accounts.
- Prosecutors said he purchased properties using proceeds from drug trafficking.
- One Columbus apartment building purchased by Ector was being used as a sober living facility, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As part of Ector’s plea agreement, the court ordered the forfeiture of two real properties, five firearms, a Cartier watch and a Rolex watch.
Ector was sentenced to 240 months, or 20 years, in federal prison.
The investigation involved the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, Columbus Division of Police, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and IRS Criminal Investigation.
The sentence was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant.
