FBI: Ohio detective charged in drug-related case

COLUMBUS (AP) — The FBI says an Ohio police detective has been charged in federal court with attempted distribution of heroin and using or carrying a gun during a drug-trafficking crime.

A magistrate on today ordered the Columbus police detective to remain in jail pending trial. FBI Special Agent Kevin Cornelius says 48-year-old Stevie Billups was arrested Thursday.

Billups’ attorney, Mark Collins, says he is still reviewing the case.

The complaint says Billups met an unnamed alleged drug dealer at a Columbus casino. It alleges Billups was paid to provide protection for the alleged drug dealer when the man collected payments for illegal drug transactions and when the man picked up and delivered a car allegedly containing heroin.

A police spokesman says Billups will be relieved of official duties while the investigation continues.