 Dear Franklin County Community,
Happy Fall! As we step into this new season, I’m excited to share the third edition of The Favor Brief with you.
This past summer, our focus was on being present, not only in the courtroom but also out in the community. From neighborhood events to school visits and meaningful conversations with residents, we’ve been intentional about listening, learning, and showing up where it matters most. Transparency has guided every step, reminding us that true justice is built not just on legal outcomes, but on trust, collaboration, and relationships.
As the leaves change and we look ahead, I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and committed to deepening our partnerships, expanding opportunities for dialogue, and ensuring that the justice system we are building together reflects the values and hopes of our community.
I am grateful for your support, your voice, and your partnership. Together, we can continue shaping a safer, stronger Franklin County for all.
With gratitude,
 Shayla D. Favor
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney
Man Sentenced to 10+ Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Ring
On June 30, Michael Crawford was sentenced to 11-16.5 years in prison following his conviction for drug trafficking. Crawford was the leader of a large drug trafficking ring. In April 2023, following surveillance of a cocaine shipment to a drug stash house, DEA investigators executed a warrant. They seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms, approximately $10,000 in cash, a Nissan Sentra, and jewelry valued at approximately $22,000. This is the first big conviction resulting from the partnership between the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the DEA. The Prosecutor’s Office is grateful for this collaboration. Read the full press release here.
Former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy Sentenced for the Murder of Andre Hill
On July 28, former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Andre Hill in December 2020. He will be eligible for parole after 15 years.
That day was marked by profound loss. Andre Hill should still be here. And now two families bear the weight of a tragedy that has altered their lives forever. While no words can erase the pain of his absence, this decision affirms a critical truth: Accountability is essential to rebuilding trust in law enforcement and in our justice system.
We also recognize the immense challenges faced by law enforcement officers who serve with integrity and professionalism. That burden, and the tremendous responsibility that comes with it, must never be overlooked or taken for granted. Under the strong leadership of Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and FOP President Brian Steel, we are confident that accountability and responsibility will remain central to the culture and practices of the Columbus Division of Police. Read the full press release here.
Man Sentenced in Strangulation Death of Pregnant Girlfriend
A Columbus man will spend approximately five decades in prison for a fatal domestic violence incident. On July 21, Devon Blair, 24, was sentenced to 46 to 51.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to strangling his pregnant girlfriend, Brooke Devinney, inside their home in 2024. Devinney was 14 weeks along with her son, whom she had planned to name Aiden. Read the full press release here.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins tomorrow, October 1. Domestic Violence is an issue plaguing Columbus and Franklin County. Over the past year, the Special Victims Unit has handled hundreds of domestic violence cases—far too many involving strangulation. Since Ohio made strangulation a felony in 2023, those cases have doubled, making case loads and dockets heavy for prosecutors and judges.
Know how to spot red flags in a relationship. Does your partner do the following?
- Get jealous easily or accuse you of cheating?
- Threaten to hurt you, your children, and or your pets?
- Control all of the money?
- Ridicule you at home or in front of others?
- Isolate you from family, friends, and work colleagues?
- Change behavior when they use drugs or alcohol?
If you or someone you know is experiencing these red flags, you can call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or go to thehotline.org to chat with an advocate.
Tomorrow, we’ll join City Attorney Zach Klein and the Columbus Office of Violence Prevention at the Domestic Violence Lighting Ceremony at City Hall. We’ll honor victims and survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and recognize the advocates who work tirelessly to get victims the help they need.
SAVE THE DATE: On October 21, we invite you to join our Big Table: The Mounting Cost of Domestic Violence. In collaboration with the Columbus City Attorney’s Office and the Office of Violence Prevention, this conversation will focus on the drastic increase in felony strangulation cases and how our law enforcement and nonprofit agencies will navigate justice and advocacy for DV victims with less funding. We hope you’ll join us at 11 am on October 21. At this time, the location is TBD. Stay tuned and follow our social pages to find out the location as we get closer.
 This summer, our newly launched Nuisance Abatement Unit got to work!
Herbert’s Market on Sullivant Avenue: On July 8, we filed a joint suit with the Columbus City Attorney’s Office against a business accused of operating as a hub for stolen goods and criminal activity. Through nuisance abatement and RICO charges, we sent a clear message: Crime cannot hide behind a storefront.
South Side drug house: On August 8, in collaboration with the Columbus City Attorney's Office, Columbus Police, and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, we shut down and boarded up a home that had long terrorized neighbors with dozens of incidents of criminal activity and violence. Those who rightfully complained about the property now have a sense of relief and safety.
New Rome Motel (Prairie Township): On August 25, we secured a preliminary injunction to close this troubled motel, which saw more than 80 law enforcement calls regarding drug trafficking, sexual assault, and fatal overdoses in 18 months. The court will now determine long-term safety requirements for the property.
This new unit is a powerful tool for restoring community safety, and we encourage residents to report potential nuisance properties by calling 614-645-4545 (Columbus Police non-emergency line) or 614-525-3333 (Franklin County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line).
At the end of August, Franklin County experienced a tragic spike in overdose deaths. Together with the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, we shared reminders for how to keep our friends, families, and communities safe:
- Carry Naloxone. Get it for free at ohio.gov.
- Never use substances alone. Any drug not from a pharmacy could be laced and deadly.
- Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential mental health and crisis support.
- If an overdose happens around you, call 911 and stay at the scene.
 This quarter, we celebrated the first class of students to complete our revamped internship program. Unlike past cohorts, these interns weren’t confined to discovery work — they gained courtroom experience, contributed to active cases, and even made meaningful breakthroughs. They also deepened their knowledge through field visits, including observing autopsies at the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
We closed the program with a breakfast and recognition ceremony on August 8, celebrating their contributions and growth. If you or a law student you know are interested in future opportunities, please send resumes, cover letters, and writing samples to the Franklin County Human Resource email at prat-hr@franklincountyohio.gov.
Over the past few months, our team has been all across Columbus and Franklin County. We've attended community events, set up resource tables, collaborated with partners, and engaged with our youth. Here's a look at where we've been.
Beyond Enforcement Graduation
Prosecutor Favor had the honor of speaking at the first-ever graduation of Beyond Enforcement. The Columbus Division of Police program focuses on prevention, perspective, and positive paths forward for young people.
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Freedom a la Cart’s Eat Up 2025
Members of our team attended Eat Up 2025 in support of Freedom a la Cart, an organization that empowers survivors of human trafficking to build lives of freedom and self-sufficiency.
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Community Violence Prevention Cookout
That same day, our team also played games and shared resources with families at the Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program of Franklin County's Community Violence Prevention Cookout.
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 Hosting Future Colleagues
On August 18, we hosted a group of bright, driven Ohio State University Moritz College of Law first-year students who met with Prosecutor Favor and several of our assistant prosecuting attorneys to learn about the vital role our office plays in the justice system.
 Arguments at The Ohio State Moritz College of Law
On September 9, for the first time, the Tenth District Court of Appeals held oral arguments for two cases off-site at the Moritz College of Law. This experience gave students invaluable insight into the careers of judges and attorneys. Assistant Prosecutors Seth Gilbert and Michael Walsh argued their cases and took questions from students.
Columbus Division of Police’s 2nd Annual Youth Summit
On September 12, Prosecutor Favor helped kick off CPD's annual youth summit at the Linden Recreation Center. She spoke to students from six Columbus City high schools. She shared the importance of staying out of trouble with the law and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to build relationships with law enforcement and one another. Congratulations to the Columbus Division of Police on a successful summit!
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M.O.M.C.C’s Fall Family Fun Fest
Our team had so much fun engaging with young people at Mother’s of Murdered Columbus Children’s Fall Family Fun Fest. Kids were awarded with candy after they successfully answered questions regarding gun violence, drug safety, and public safety. Thank you to M.O.M.C.C. for having us!
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CATCH Court Graduation
Our team attended the CATCH Court graduation last month. CATCH Court is an innovative program through the Franklin County Municipal Court that offers women previously trafficked into prostitution a way to turn their lives around without going through traditional criminal justice measures. The fact of the matter is, the women who go through this program are victims and survivors of their circumstances who deserve a real chance at freedom. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
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Public Safety Week Community Conversation
Prosecutor Favor was honored to join this event hosted by Columbus City Council, where she participated in a panel, connected with community members, and celebrated the launch of the Safer Together 614 program — reminding us all that a peaceful Columbus is possible.
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Here’s a roundup of recent local and national coverage on prosecution, public safety, and emerging approaches to crime prevention.
Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor speaks after Adam Coy sentencing (WBNS/10TV)
How is central Ohio combatting gun violence? A look at resources available (Columbus Dispatch)
Columbus, county say Hilltop store sold stolen goods, seek 'public nuisance' declaration (Columbus Dispatch)
Franklin County deputies go door-to-door to crack down on problem west side motel (WSYX/ABC6)
Nationwide 2024 crime data demonstrate the value of violence prevention and local law enforcement (Center for American Progress)
5 Ways States Can Reduce Violent Crime 5 Ways States Can Reduce Violent Crime (Council of State Governments Justice Center)
Stay Connected!
We’ll continue to share updates through The Favor Brief, on our website, and across our social media channels. Together, let’s work to build a justice system worthy of the people it serves.
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