Traon Turk, a convicted felon from Austell, Georgia, was sentenced on Mar. 30 to more than seven years in federal prison after being found guilty of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and unlawfully possessing a firearm. The sentencing follows a high-speed police chase in Marietta where Turk attempted to evade law enforcement.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and local authorities to address armed drug trafficking and threats to public safety. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia has prioritized prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, and civil rights violations to serve the community, 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.”
Ryan Todd, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), 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 information presented in court: On April 4, 2020, Cobb County Police identified an SUV linked days earlier to a drive-by shooting. When officers tried stopping it, Turk fled at high speed before abandoning both vehicle and passengers; during his escape he dropped a loaded .40 caliber pistol which was recovered by police. He was later found hiding in an abandoned vehicle with methamphetamine pills on his person as well as evidence of drug dealing on his phone; further drugs were found inside the SUV.
Turk had prior felony convictions including street gang offenses and possession of various controlled substances with intent to distribute.
Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr., presiding over northern Georgia—a region serving about 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs—sentenced Turk on these charges following his November conviction by jury for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; he had previously pleaded guilty in March 2025 for unlawful firearm possession.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves as principal federal law enforcement agency for its district while coordinating cases that may have national or international dimensions according to its official website.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
