Drug program possible for offender

Jul 20, 2010 — The Hawk Eye

John Mangalonzo

Jul. 20, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Toronto J. Conner, a 35-year-old Burlington man with a long string of contacts with local law enforcement who is facing the possibility of spending 20 years in prison, will be evaluated for eligibility to the local drug court program.

Conner, through his attorney, asked a judge Monday to delay his August trial to determine if he is a good candidate for the program. He will now go to trial on charges of delivery of cocaine and possession with intent to deliver, Sept. 14.

A pretrial in the case will take place Aug. 9.

The drug court addresses non-violent drug-related cases.

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. Moments before the warrant was executed, a detective saw Conner leaving his home and was walking north on Eighth Street.

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

Conner was searched and $170 in cash and a knife with a 9 1/2-inch blade were found. During a strip search prior to being booked into jail, authorities said they found a small bag containing crack tied to the drawstring of Conner's pants. Conner reportedly told agents that before he was arrested, he was headed to another man's home to sell 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.

If Conner is not admitted to the program and is convicted and sentenced to incarceration, he is facing 10 years in prison for each count.

Newstex ID: KRTB-1064-47123651