BOSTON, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ A Malden man plead guilty Thursday to cocaine
trafficking charges.

United States Attorney Donald K. Sterns announced that Novia Turkette, Sr.,
74, of Malden, Massachusetts, pled guilty on August 7, 1997 to cocaine
trafficking charges before U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns.

According to previously filed court documents, Turkette sold cocaine to an
individual cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration on four
occasions during the winter months of 1994/1995. Turkette faces a maximum
penalty of 40 years' imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,000. Judge Stearns
scheduled a November 20, 1997 sentencing hearing for Turkette.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with
assistance of the Massachusetts State Police, the Somerville, Massachusetts
Police Department and the Salem, Massachusetts Police Department. The case
is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey E. Hobart of Stern's
Drug Task Force.