Local Radar

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Turner given four years for second distribution of drugs conviction

web posted June 27, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Travis Leon Turner, 24, was set to face a jury trial for multiple drug charges by at least two law enforcement agencies on Tuesday in General Sessions Court. Turner, whose latest arrest stemmed from a May 2006 license check at the intersection of Highway 25 and 378 where he took off running trying to dispose of over 160 grams of marijuana in his escape.

Turner was successful in eluding arrest at the time; however, the bags of marijuana, some weighed in smaller bags for distribution police said, were recovered. Police were able to identify Turner because he presented officers with his driver’s license before fleeing.

In total police recovered 169 grams of marijuana during the foot chase and from the car. Mr. Turner’s brother, Derrick Leonard Turner, 20 was arrested at the scene. Both men were charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Travis Turner was arrested later on a warrant stemming from the event.

The distribution charge was a second offense for the elder Turner and the second of three drug arrests.

The Town of Edgefield also had charges against Travis Turner for distribution and resisting arrest on November 20 of 2006.


When plea negotiations prior to trial were refused, Turner opted for a jury trail scheduled for Tuesday. After the jury was struck the trial was set to begin at 2 pm and Judge William Keesley called the court to order. After court reconvened Mr. Turner’s attorney notified the state of Turner’s intentions to change his plea from not guilty to guilty.

Judge Keesley questioned Mr. Turner about the rights he surrendered by pleading guilty and Mr. Turner stated he understood. Judge Keesley informed Mr. Turner that the charge could carry up to ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Turner said he understood.

Before sentencing Judge Keesley asked Mr. Turner if he had anything to say. Turner replied that he was taking responsibility for all the charges and the drugs. He also stated, “I wasn’t gonna sell any of it (the drugs) to other people. It was all for my personal use.”

Mr. Turner’s attorney also requested Mr. Turner be allowed until Friday to report to jail to begin his sentence so that he could visit his one of his children in Greenwood.

Judge Keesley denied the request to report Friday to begin his sentence; “I have you here now,” Judge Keesley said, and sentenced Mr. Turner to four years in prison. In exchange for the plea all other charges against Mr. Turner and his younger brother were dropped.

Mr. Turner will be given credit for five months of time served prior to the trial relating to the charges. According to officials, Turner could be released within 19 months.

 

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