Fentanyl Trafficking Lands St. Paul Man Behind Bars

MINNEAPOLIS – A federal jury has convicted a St. Paul man of possessing over 300 grams of fentanyl and a loaded firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

Eric Marcel Turner, a.k.a. Xavier Thomas, 39, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. Turner rented the apartment where the search warrant was executed using an alias on April 19, 2023.

According to evidence presented at trial, law enforcement found over 300 grams of fentanyl and a loaded firearm in the apartment. Turner’s multiple prior felony convictions, including a federal drug trafficking offense, prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

A jury found Turner guilty of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime after a three-day trial before Judge Katherine M. Menendez in U.S. District Court.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the West Metro Drug Trask Force, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and Allen A. Slaughter tried the case, securing a guilty verdict for Turner.

Turner’s conviction on these serious charges serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against fentanyl trafficking in our communities. As a convicted felon, Turner’s actions put himself and others at risk.

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