Canal Winchester man imprisoned for COVID-19 relief fraud, drug and weapons charges

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A Canal Winchester man convicted of fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds and of narcotics and firearm charges will serve over 15 years in prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Ohio, Thomas Crowell was sentenced to 15 years, eight months. Crowell, also known as “T-Mack”, was a “significant” drug trafficker in the Columbus area, federal prosecutors said. He was investigated by multiple agencies and arrested in June 2021.

Court documents and trial testimony state that Crowell, 35, possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana. While executing a search warrant, investigators found fentanyl and cocaine hidden in a grill in the backyard. Drug-packaging materials were also found throughout the home during the search.

Convicted previously of felony weapons charges, Crowell also illegally possessed firearms in his home, including a rifle and a Glock.

Additionally, a federal jury found Crowell guilty of wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining COVID-relief Paycheck Protection Program funding by falsely claiming to own a trucking business. He received a PPP loan of nearly $20,000 in April 2021.

All three charges carried a combined maximum sentence of 35 years in prison.