Trafficking cases involving former drug task force detective dismissed
The Franklin County Prosecutor dismissed 15 cases involving former Reynoldsburg drug task force police detective Tye L. Downard, who was accused by Federal investigators of dealing drugs taken from crime scenes.
Downard died in an apparent suicide when he was found hanged by his bedsheet in the Delaware County Jail.
Since Downard was involved in all 15 cases, Prosecutor O’Brien decided to dismiss the cases, since his death “raised a sufficient doubt as to whether a fair prosecution could proceed.”
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2/22/16: Drug task force detective accused of dealing drugs commits suicide
The Reynoldsburg police detective who was accused of dealing drugs taken from crime scenes committed suicide by hanging early Monday morning.
According to federal investigators, detective Tye L. Downard made more than 20 deliveries of illegal drugs to an individual with the intent to sell between October 2015 and February 2016.
The deliveries included Percocet, cocaine, marijuana and heroin.
In at least two instances, the federal investigators noted that Downard made deliveries only days after seizing drugs from crime scenes.
Reynoldsburg Police Chief Jim O’Neill said he was “totally floored” when he found out about Downard’s arrest, saying he was well-liked and well-trusted.
Downard was an ex-SWAT team member, and worked with Reynoldsburg police for over 10 years.
Possession with intent to distribute is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
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