Repeat Offender Sentenced to More Than 7 Years After Marietta Chase and Drug Arrest

ATLANTA, Ga. — A convicted felon who led police on a high-speed chase in Marietta and was found with drugs and a firearm has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison, authorities announced.

Traon Turk, 31, of Austell, was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. A federal jury convicted Turk in November 2025 of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He had previously pleaded guilty in March 2025 to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to prosecutors, the case stems from an April 4, 2020 incident when Cobb County Police attempted to stop an SUV believed to be connected to a recent drive-by shooting.

Authorities said Turk, who was driving the vehicle, fled at a high rate of speed before jumping out of the moving SUV and running, leaving five passengers behind. During the pursuit, Turk dropped a loaded .40 caliber handgun, which officers recovered.

About an hour later, officers found Turk hiding in an abandoned vehicle and took him into custody. Investigators said he was carrying methamphetamine pills in his pocket and had a cellphone containing evidence of drug trafficking.

A search of the SUV revealed additional narcotics, including ecstasy pills containing methamphetamine, counterfeit Percocet and Xanax pills, and individually packaged marijuana.

“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,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.

“Our partnership with the Cobb County Police Department has been critical in moving this case forward and ensuring accountability,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd. “Today’s sentencing makes it clear that armed drug dealers will be held responsible.”

Court records show Turk had multiple prior felony convictions in Cobb County, including drug trafficking, firearm offenses, and gang-related charges.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cobb County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Hwang, Michael Herskowitz, Laurel Milam, and Annalise Peters prosecuted the case.