Columbus man sentenced after being found with drugs and weapons in a home full of children

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A Columbus man was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison in U.S. District Court on Wednesday.

Shedrick Hawkins, 33, received a 135-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and illegal possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon.

Hawkins was found in June 2023 with kilograms of narcotics and multiple loaded firearms in the same apartment as six small children.

According to court documents, investigators determined in early 2023 that Hawkins was the source of several undercover drug transactions they conducted.

In June 2023, a search warrant was executed at Hawkins' apartment. At the time of the search there were six children in the apartment, ranging in age from infancy to nine years old.

During the search, police officers discovered almost a kilogram of fentanyl, almost two kilograms of cocaine and four firearms. One of the firearms was modified to function as a fully automatic weapon.

Investigators also found nearly $18,000 in cash, five cell phones and several rounds of ammunition.

Hawkins was indicted federally in June 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2024.