Drug Dealer Convicted of Possessing Meth on School Grounds

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a defendant who possessed twenty grams of methamphetamine in an elementary school parking lot.  Michael Robert Quinn, 38, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine in a Drug Free School Zone, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on a Suspended License, and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance.  Judge Steve Sword revoked Quinn’s bond and set the case for sentencing on January 20.

In a two-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Oscar Butler and Heather Good explained to the jury that on November 18, 2019, police observed Quinn’s truck in the parking lot of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School. Shortly after leaving the school, Quinn was pulled over and arrested by Knoxville Police Department Sergeant James Wilson for driving on a suspended license and on an outstanding warrant for driving on a suspended license. After a K9 alerted to the odor of narcotics in Quinn’s truck, Investigator Phil Jinks searched the truck and located four separate bags of methamphetamine, totaling approximately twenty grams, a digital pocket scale, and two cell phones. Inv. Jinks obtained a search warrant to search the two cell phones and found multiple messages proving that Quinn possessed the methamphetamine with the intent to sell and or deliver it. TBI Special Agent Ashley Cummings analyzed the seized drugs and confirmed it was methamphetamine.

“With over four hundred suspected overdose deaths in Knox County this year, we will continue to prosecute drug traffickers who prey upon those dealing with substance abuse issues,” said DA Charme Allen.

Quinn has eleven prior felony convictions for violent, property, and drug dealing offenses, including convictions for Arson, Attempted Burglary, Reckless Endangerment, Theft, and cocaine distribution.  At sentencing, Quinn is facing between twenty-five and forty years in prison.

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.