A Stony Brook University student has been indicted on multiple felony drug charges after investigators allege he sold methamphetamine disguised as Adderall from his campus dorm room.
A 20-year-old Stony Brook University student is facing serious felony charges after Suffolk County prosecutors say he used his dorm room as a base for distributing methamphetamine to buyers on campus.
William Turri, of Fairport, New York, was indicted on charges including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
Prosecutors allege Turri sold methamphetamine pills that resembled pharmaceutical Adderall and conducted multiple drug transactions from his university residence hall.
Undercover Investigation Began Through Instagram
According to investigators, an undercover Suffolk County police officer contacted Turri through Instagram in April after receiving information that he was allegedly selling Adderall on the Stony Brook University campus.
On two occasions, prosecutors allege Turri directed the undercover officer to his dorm room and sold pills that were later determined to be methamphetamine.
“On both occasions, Turri allegedly directed the undercover officer to meet him at his dorm room where Turri allegedly handed the officer methamphetamine pills in exchange for money,” prosecutors said.
Authorities said a third transaction was arranged for April 27, but instead of a drug sale, police moved in and arrested Turri.
Search of Dorm Room Uncovers Drugs
Following the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at Turri’s dorm room.
According to prosecutors, officers recovered more than two ounces of methamphetamine pressed into orange pills designed to resemble prescription Adderall.
Investigators also allegedly recovered ketamine and drug-packaging materials from the room.
District Attorney Tierney said the allegations demonstrate the dangers posed by illegal drug trafficking on college campuses.
“This defendant allegedly turned a college dorm room into a methamphetamine distribution hub,” Tierney said.
“We will not tolerate people who peddle poison in our communities, especially those who do so targeting students on college campuses.”
Student Suspended From University
As a result of the arrest, Stony Brook University placed Turri on interim suspension, according to prosecutors.
Turri was arraigned Thursday before New York Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Piliweski on an indictment charging him with:
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree
- Three counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
- Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree
- One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree
Released Without Bail Under New York Law
Despite the severity of the allegations, prosecutors said New York law classifies the charges as non-bail eligible offenses.
As a result, prosecutors could not request bail and the court could not impose it.
Turri was released pending trial and is scheduled to return to court on July 19.
If convicted of the top charge, he faces a potential sentence of three to 10 years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tess Andrew of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Bureau.
The investigation was conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Stony Brook University Police Department.
Key Points
• Stony Brook University student William Turri, 20, was indicted on multiple felony drug charges.
• Prosecutors allege he sold methamphetamine pills disguised as Adderall from his dorm room.
• Police say they recovered more than two ounces of methamphetamine, ketamine, and packaging materials during a search of the residence hall room.
