A former lawyer from Columbus, Ohio, Dennis W. McNamara, has been sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine after being convicted of making false statements to the FBI. The sentencing took place in the Southern District of Ohio on August 21, 2025.
Chief United States District Judge Sarah D. Morrison delivered the sentence. According to information presented in court, McNamara was representing a cooperating witness who provided details about a drug trafficking and sex trafficking organization operating in Columbus. During this period, McNamara was also involved in a sexual relationship with a female sex worker. He informed her that he represented the cooperating witness and shared confidential details about his client’s cooperation, which put his client at risk.
When questioned by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding these disclosures, McNamara denied having revealed any information.
In issuing the sentence, Judge Morrison highlighted the seriousness of McNamara’s actions.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio recused itself from handling this case. It was subsequently assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted the case for the government.
Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti praised efforts by law enforcement agencies involved in investigating and prosecuting McNamara: “I commend the FBI’s Southern Ohio Public Corruption Task Force, which includes special agents and officers from the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and Columbus Division of Police, as well as the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force for their work leading to this successful prosecution.”
