Convictions and sentencing on three cases

WCDA provides updates on drug trafficking trials

Deputy District Attorney Michael Vieta-Kabell has secured two guilty verdicts and a prison sentence for three separate drug trafficking cases.

With drug trafficking and illegal guns presenting an ongoing threat to the health and safety of Washoe County, intercepting large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine before they can reach users is incredibly important. It is also critical to aggressively prosecute drug traffickers and individuals illegally possessing and selling guns and stop them before they commit additional crimes that put members of our community in harm’s way.

Kerry Turner was found guilty by a jury of Trafficking in 100 grams or more of a Schedule II CS (Fentanyl) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The 40-year-old defendant was arrested as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation by the Regional Narcotics Unit (RNU). In August of 2022, based on information that Mr. Turner was in possession of fentanyl and a firearm, detectives stopped Turner at a local motel, where after exiting a car, a pat down found 100.9 grams of fentanyl in small baggies hidden in Turner’s underwear. A probable cause search of the car also revealed a pistol on the front passenger side floorboard. The Honorable Judge Kathleen Drakulich presided over the trial. Sentencing is set for August 29^th.

47-year-old John Colletti was found guilty by a jury of 7 counts, including Trafficking and Possession of multiple Schedule I and II Controlled Substances, Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The investigation into Colletti began in November of 2022, when the Regional Crime Suppression Unit (RCSU) conducted a controlled purchase of a stolen handgun from Colletti, despite the defendant being a felon with several prior convictions. During the exchange with an undercover detective, Colletti said that he could get more guns, as well as drugs, to sell. Law enforcement then spent several months investigating Colletti to locate additional illegal firearms, before getting the defendant to agree to sell another pound of methamphetamine. Colletti was then arrested following an operation at a local casino, where detectives found 23.4 grams of fentanyl, more than 3 grams of heroin, and more than 1 gram of meth in his possession. The Honorable Judge Kathleen Drakulich presided over the trial. Sentencing is set for August 22^nd.

California resident Jeremy Thomson, age 34, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 7 years. Thomson had previously pled guilty to Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 100 grams or more. In August of 2021, detectives with the Regional Narcotics Unit (RNU) were told that Thomson was selling methamphetamine. During a sting operation, detectives detained the defendant and during a search of his car, found a total of more than 2 pounds of meth, as well as 25.4 grams of heroin. The Honorable Judge Egan Walker presided and imposed the sentence.

DDA Vieta-Kabell and the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office wants to specifically recognize the hard work from officers and other individuals who participated in the investigation and successful prosecutions of all three above defendants.