Former fugitive and alleged gang member charged with trafficking fentanyl

The indictment was unsealed today charging Tyral Glenn Turner, 34, of Mathis. He had been in state custody on related charges. He is expected to appear in Corpus Christi federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby Sept. 2.

The indictment charges Turner with one count of possession with intent to distribute over 350 grams of fentanyl and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Authorities apprehended Turner June 26 as part of Operation Triple Beam, a collaboration of federal, state and local authorities targeting alleged violent gang members in the gulf coast region. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement allegedly seized over 350 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution.

The charges further allege he also had a loaded 9 mm glock model 19 in his possession. Turner is a convicted felon. As such, he is prohibited by federal law of possessing a firearm or ammunition.

If convicted of the drug charges, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine. The gun charge carries a 10-year-maximum possible penalty.  

The U.S. Marshals Service and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neel Kapur is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.