Ohio police detective arrested on federal drug charges

COLUMBUS (AP) — A central Ohio police detective has been arrested on federal charges alleging he possessed drugs with the intent to distribute them.

Federal authorities say 43-year-old Tye Downard, of the Columbus suburb of Westerville, allegedly made more than 20 deliveries of narcotics between October 2015 and February 2016 to an individual to sell. Authorities say those narcotics included heroin, cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills.

A federal prosecutor’s statement says the Reynoldsburg police detective was arrested Thursday on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Defense attorney Samuel Shamansky said today that Downard is an outstanding officer and human being and they will work to vigorously defend him.

Court documents allege that drugs in the case included some that may have been taken from drugs seized during police investigations.