Repeat Drug Dealer Convicted Again

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained a conviction against a repeat drug dealer caught with cocaine while on probation for selling cocaine.  Keith Antwan Turner, 33, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine.  Judge Scott Green set the case for sentencing on February 28 where Turner faces twenty to thirty years in prison.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Molly Martin explained to the jury that on October 9, 2023, Knoxville Police Department Officer Christopher McCurry responded to a call that individuals were using drugs in a vehicle on Ridgebrook Lane.  Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle with Turner standing outside of it.  Officers could smell marijuana, and a K9 alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of marijuana and fourteen grams of cocaine.  Turner was also in possession of $692.

“Aggressively prosecuting repeat drug dealers has contributed to the decline in overdose deaths in our community,” said DA Allen.

Turner has six prior felony convictions and was on probation for selling cocaine when he committed this offense.  Possession with Intent to Sell Cocaine is a Class B felony.  Because of Turner’s criminal history, he is facing twenty to thirty years in prison.  Turner has also been identified as a member of the Crips.  As part of their verdict, the jury assessed a fine of $75,000.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.