Traon Turk, an armed felon and drug dealer from Austell, Georgia, was sentenced on Mar. 30 to over seven years in federal prison after being convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Georgia to address violent crime and drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency in the district, working closely with local partners to protect public safety according to the official website.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “Just weeks after his release from state prison, Turk picked up where he left off, trafficking deadly drugs while armed with a loaded pistol and attempting to outrun the police. Thankfully, solid collaboration between law enforcement agencies produced a federal prosecution, removing this repeat offender from our community for several years.”
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd said, “Our partnership with the Cobb County Police Department has been critical in moving this case forward and ensuring accountability. Today’s sentencing makes it clear that armed drug dealers will be held responsible, and we will continue to pursue anyone who threatens the safety of our communities.”
According to court records presented by Hertzberg: On April 4, 2020, Cobb County Police attempted to stop an SUV linked days earlier to a drive-by shooting. Turk fled at high speed before abandoning his vehicle—and five passengers—while dropping a loaded .40 caliber pistol as he ran away from officers. He was later found hiding in an abandoned car with methamphetamine pills in his pocket and evidence of drug dealing on his phone. Additional drugs were found inside his SUV.
Turk had prior felony convictions including violations related to street gang activity and various narcotics offenses in Cobb County.
A federal jury convicted Turk on November 17 for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute; he previously pleaded guilty on March 12 for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with Cobb County Police Department; it is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia enforces federal criminal laws—including those against terrorism and human trafficking—and represents United States interests in civil matters while coordinating cases across national boundaries according to its official website (https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga). The office covers north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs bordering Alabama and both Carolinas according to its official website.
