Columbus Man Sentenced to Prison in First-Degree Felony Drug Case in Gallia County

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GALLIPOLIS, Ohio — A Gallia County criminal case involving multiple first-degree felony drug charges has resulted in a prison sentence following a negotiated plea and sentencing hearing.

In the case of State of Ohio vs. Thomas D. Crozier filed March 20, 2025, the defendant, Thomas D. Crozier, was originally charged in connection with a March 14, 2025 incident.

According to court records, the original charges included:

• Possession of Cocaine (Felony 1)

• Trafficking in Cocaine (Felony 1)

• Possession of a Fentanyl-Related Compound (Felony 1)

• Trafficking in a Fentanyl-Related Compound (Felony 1)

The case proceeded through arraignment, pretrial hearings, and motion practice, including a motion to suppress. A jury trial was initially scheduled but later vacated.

On September 5, 2025, court records indicate the defendant entered a negotiated plea, waiving his right to a jury trial.

On February 4, 2026, the court filed a sentencing entry. Crozier was convicted of Trafficking in Cocaine, a first-degree felony under Ohio Revised Code 2925.03. The remaining charges — Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Fentanyl-Related Compound, and Trafficking in a Fentanyl-Related Compound — were dismissed.

According to Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction records:

• Offense: Drug Trafficking

• Degree: First-Degree Felony

• Effective Sentence Date: February 18, 2026

• Jail Time Credit: 20 days

• Aggregate Sentence: 11.00 years mandatory minimum to 16.50 years maximum (SB 201 indefinite sentencing structure)

• Expected Release / Parole Eligibility Date: January 25, 2037

The case was presided over by Judge Margaret Evans in the Gallia County Common Pleas Court. The State was represented by the Gallia County Prosecutor’s Office.