Richard Turner, Methamphetamine Trafficking, California 2023

Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Busted in Placerville

A federal grand jury has returned a three-count indictment against 60-year-old Richard Turner of Placerville, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced the indictment.

According to court documents, agents executed a federal search warrant at Turner’s residence in Placerville. During the authorized search, agents located over 40 pounds of methamphetamine. Agents also located six firearms, including one previously reported as stolen. Turner is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has five prior felony convictions, including a conviction for vehicle theft and drug trafficking offenses.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alstyn Bennett is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of the methamphetamine trafficking offenses, Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Turner faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Turner’s case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities.

Project Safe Neighborhoods was launched in 2021, with a focus on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Richardson is accused of methamphetamine trafficking, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Richardson is currently in custody, awaiting a trial date.

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