Jury finds Columbus man guilty of drug crime within Marietta school zone, firearms crimes

Thursday, August 6, 2026

U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted Stephen Sullens, 29, of Columbus, on all counts as charged, finding him guilty of three drug and gun crimes.

The verdict was announced today following a trial that began on Aug. 4 before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.

According to court documents and trial testimony, on July 18, 2024, Sullens possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl within 1,000 feet of Saint Mary’s Catholic School. Marietta police officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. Sullens was in the vehicle in an alley behind a residence on 5th Street. When officers encountered the vehicle and its occupants, a police canine alerted, and officers discovered fentanyl and a pistol with a loaded magazine.

As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. 

Sullens was originally indicted in this case in June 2025. He was convicted of three counts as charged in a superseding indictment in July 2026.

Sullens faces at least six years and up to life in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Marietta Police Chief Katherine Warden; and officials with the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force announced today’s verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Nicole Pakiz are representing the United States in this case.

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Updated August 6, 2026