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Press Release

Toledo Man Indicted for Heroin Conspiracy

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

A six-count federal indictment was filed charging a Toledo man with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a kilogram of heroin, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Lee T. Turner, 29, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin, two counts of operating a drug house and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“This defendant used firearms and homes in Toledo neighborhoods in his business the way others might use computers and calculators,” Dettelbach said. “He made his living dealing large amounts of heroin and now must face the consequences.”

“I would personally like to thank the Detectives and Agents from the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force for their hard work on this case,” said Toledo Police Chief William Moton. “The arrest of drug traffickers like Mr. Turner is an important piece in our strategy to significantly reduce the amount of heroin being sold in the Toledo area.”

Turner conspired to with others from November 2103 through Nov. 20, 2014 to possess heroin. Turner used 2830 Powhattan Parkway and 707 Phillips Avenue, both in Toledo, for the unlawful purpose of storing and distributing heroin, according to the indictment.

On Nov. 20, 2014, Turner possessed approximately 1,077 grams of heroin and a 9 mm pistol, despite previous convictions for bank robbery, robbery, kidnapping and other felony convictions, according to court documents.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit the two Toledo properties, as well as a 2009 Mercedes, a 1991 Chevrolet and a 2002 Mini Cooper, according to the indictment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Sterling following an investigation by the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force, which is made up of representatives from the Toledo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Updated March 18, 2015