COLUMBUS, OH — A Pickaway County man was sentenced Tuesday in federal court to 22 and a half years (270 months) in prison following his conviction on multiple drug trafficking and firearm offenses, federal authorities announced.
Samuel A. Griffith, 35, of Ashville, Ohio, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson after federal agents raided his Hilliard hotel room in October 2025, uncovering a massive narcotics distribution operation alongside an arsenal of weapons.
Bulk Narcotics, Guns, and Cash Seized
According to court documents, Griffith was using a room at the Red Roof Inn in Hilliard to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the location, they seized:
- Bulk Narcotics: More than four kilograms of methamphetamine, over one kilogram of fentanyl, and a partial kilogram of cocaine.
- Weapons: 18 firearms and accompanying ammunition.
- Currency: Nearly $40,000 in cash generated from illegal sales.
Because Griffith has prior felony convictions—including robbery, aggravated drug possession, and having weapons under disability—he is legally barred under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Guilty Plea and Federal Conviction
Griffith pleaded guilty in April 2026 to six federal drug and firearm charges:
- Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl
- Possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl
- Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
- Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
- Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
The investigation was conducted by a joint law enforcement effort involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Columbus Division of Police, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley on behalf of the Southern District of Ohio.
