Hunter
05/01/25
An Iowa City man was arrested early Wednesday after he allegedly tried to pay for an item at a convenience store with money covered in meth.
The incident occurred at the Kwik Star on Keokuk Street just before 3am. According to police, 45-year-old Marcus Turner of South Lucas Street was in the store and chose an item. When he went to pay for it, he allegedly presented staff with a dollar containing a crystalline substance that appeared to be methamphetamine.
The substance was field tested by police and confirmed to be meth. Turner allegedly admitted to presenting the dollar to the clerk, but didn’t know that it had been covered in methamphetamine.
A search of Turner’s person post-arrest reportedly turned up 2 grams of the drug. After being transported to the Johnson County Jail, he was found to have concealed more in his sock. In total, Turner allegedly had 48.5 grams of meth. Numerous empty small baggies were also allegedly discovered in a box located in Turner’s bag.
Turner faces one count each of possession of a controlled substance 3rd or subsequent offense, a controlled substance violation, and failure to affix drug stamp. If convicted on all charges, Turner could be sentenced to up to 35 years in prison.