In a surprising twist, Marion County Sheriff’s deputies caught Elisha “Turkk” Hanks red-handed in a blend of illicit activities, cleverly advertised on social media. Acting on solid intel, deputies raided Hanks’ Ocala digs, unearthing a treasure trove that included 19 carefully packaged baggies of marijuana, a scale, and a rather incriminating find—a handgun stashed inside a pink book bag.
But the plot thickened when deputies discovered Hanks, known by his distinctive pyramid tattoo, was no stranger to the law. A convicted felon, he wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near firearms, let alone within a thousand feet of the Unity Church of Ocala. Ironically, while Hanks denied involvement, his Instagram feed told a different tale, showcasing a virtual marketplace for his illicit wares with a bold “shop open” tagline atop the contraband.
Now facing charges for firearm possession by a felon, firearms during a felony, and intent to distribute marijuana near a place of worship, Hanks finds himself trading Instagram likes for a less glamorous stay at Marion County Jail.
Sheriff’s deputies are reminding locals: when it comes to law enforcement, Hanks’ case serves as a stark reminder of the perils of mixing social media bravado with illegal ventures.
