Three Sikeston men get life in prison for cocaine convictions

Three Sikeston, Mo., men previously found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to possess more than 5 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute and multiple other distribution charges were sentenced to life in prison Thursday by United States District Judge John A. Ross in Cape Girardeau.

According to a news release from the United States Attorney's Office, evidence presented at trial showed that since the fall of 2009, cousins Corey E. Turner, 37, Antonio Turner, 41, and Donald R. Turner Jr., 37, pooled their money to purchase large quantities of cocaine from suppliers in Missouri and Blytheville, Ark., then split the cocaine among themselves, cooked the powder cocaine into crack cocaine and sold it on the streets.

The three men all were sentenced to life in prison for the conspiracy charge and 360 months on the individual distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of controlled substance charges, the news release said. An additional 14 co-conspirators entered guilty pleas for their roles in the conspiracy and also were charged.

The news release said the 17 convictions in the case were the result of a long-term investigation by multiple organizations, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and Bootheel Drug Task Force.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, MO

Blytheville, AR