Former Ohio State University football player Corey Davonta Smith Jr., 31, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Columbus for a parole violation. Smith, who played wide receiver for the Buckeyes from 2013-2016, was taken into custody at a house on Republic Avenue after he attempted to evade the officers by running into the attic. He is wanted for a federal probation violation in West Virginia and failing to appear in court on a 2018 aggravated robbery charge in Summitt County.
The marshals service spokesperson revealed that in March 2021, Smith was sentenced to 57 months in prison for his involvement in a drug distribution ring with connections in Ohio and West Virginia. He pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Smith’s criminal history includes previous charges for aggravated robbery and parole violations, leading to his current arrest in Columbus. It is not clear what prompted the U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Apprehension Team to apprehend Smith at the Republic Avenue residence.
Smith’s decision to ignore officers’ presence at the door and attempt to escape into the attic resulted in his arrest. The Columbus school board is reportedly divided over a leaked task force document that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding Smith’s arrest and the ongoing investigation into his criminal activities. He was ultimately taken into custody by the marshals service’s Fugitive Apprehension Team after a brief standoff at the house.
The U.S. Marshals Service is now working to extradite Smith to West Virginia to face the federal probation violation charges, as well as addressing the failure to appear in court for the 2018 aggravated robbery charge in Summitt County. Smith’s involvement in the drug distribution ring with connections in Ohio and West Virginia has landed him in legal trouble once again, adding to his criminal history and potentially resulting in an extended prison sentence. The marshals office is committed to ensuring that Smith is held accountable for his actions and faces the consequences of his criminal behavior.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of engaging in illegal activities and violating parole. As a former Ohio State University football player, Smith’s arrest has attracted public attention and sparked discussions within the Columbus community. It is essential to uphold the law and hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their background or previous affiliations. The U.S. Marshals Service’s efforts to apprehend Smith highlight the importance of collaboration and diligence in pursuing justice and maintaining public safety. Smith’s arrest underscores the ongoing challenges in combating drug-related crimes and ensuring that individuals involved in illegal activities are brought to justice.
