Cocaine charges could lead to 20 years in prison

Jul 1, 2010 — The Hawk Eye

John Mangalonzo

Jul. 1, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- A 35-year-old Burlington man could spend the next 20 years in prison if he is convicted of the charges filed against him in Des Moines County District Court.

Toronto J. Conner will go to trial on charges of delivery of cocaine and possession of crack cocaine on Aug. 10. A pretrial conference on the case is slated to take place July 19.

In December, agents from the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force were about to execute a search warrant at a home in the 1000 block of North Eighth Street in connection with a drug investigation involving Conner.

During a surveillance operation moments before the warrant was executed, a detective told agents Conner left his home and was walking on North Eighth Street toward Franklin Street.

Narcotics agents caught up with the man at the corner of Sixth and Franklin streets.

Authorities said a search of Conner yielded $170 in cash and a knife with a 9 1/2-inch blade. He reportedly told agents he did not have anything else illegal, with him.

During a strip search prior to being booked into jail, authorities said they found a small bag tied to the drawstring of Conner's pants. Authorities said the bag contained crack.

Conner reportedly told agents that before he was arrested, he was headed to another man's home to sell the man the knife and the drugs.

He had been the subject of a controlled buy operation earlier that month. A confidential informant allegedly managed to buy $40 worth of crack from Conner during the operation, authorities said.

Newstex ID: KRTB-1064-46625113