Louisville Man Convicted of Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

COVINGTON, Ky. - A Louisville man was convicted Thursday, by a federal jury sitting in Covington, of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and firearm offenses.

After three hours of deliberation, following a three-day trial, the jury convicted 31-year-old Quinn Turner of conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

The evidence at trial established that Turner distributed multiple pounds of crystal methamphetamine, on an ongoing basis from June 1, 2018 through October 3, 2018, both directly and through associates.  Evidence also established that he used firearms to assist in his offense.  Turner was arrested in Boone County, Kentucky, on October 3, 2018, when he arrived at a store with a pound of pure crystal methamphetamine that he planned to distribute.  He was also in possession of a firearm when arrested.  Turner had been released from state prison in November 2017, after serving a 12-year sentence for armed bank robbery.             

Tuner was charged in a superseding indictment, in September 2019.

Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Keith W. Martin, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the verdict.

The investigation was conducted by DEA and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. The United States was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Bracke and Kyle Winslow. 

Turner will appear for sentencing on a date to be determined by the court.  For the methamphetamine charges, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.  For the firearm offenses, he faces a minimum of five years, consecutive to any other sentence.  However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.

 This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Eastern District of Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr., coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

 This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. Click here for more information about Project Guardian.

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