High School Athletic Trainer Charged With Multiple Felony Counts, Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Ten Teenage Girls

Syndication: The Oklahoman
CHRIS LANDSBERGER/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former athletic trainer of two L.A high schools, Richard Turner was officially charged with 18 felony counts of sexual assault against 10 female students. According to the Los Angeles County D.A’s office, Turner’s felony charges include allegations of rape, other sexual assaults by force and sexual penetration of an unconscious person. The 64-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting 10 girls between the ages of 15 and 17, during his time at both Van Nuys High School & Birmingham Community Charter High School.

The attacks allegedly started as far back as the year 2017, happening on and off campus, according to prosecutors. The former trainer currently has a pending October arraignment, and remains behind bars as a result. A representative for Turner has not yet been announced. L.A.P.D Captain Jeff Bratcher spoke to reporters, stating that Turner was apprehended after a student from Birmingham Community Charter High School came forward and accused him of inappropriately touching her.

Bratcher also reports that nine total students have also stepped up to accuse Turner after the suspect’s name was publicly released. L.A.P.D. District Attorney George Gascón spoke to media, emphasizing that schools should be considered safe havens for students to come and learn without fear, and called out the education system for not doing the job expected of it.

“A school is a place where our children should feel safe and protected by those who we are supposed to trust. It is crushing for the victims’ families and our education system when someone takes advantage of a youth.”

A student reportedly accused Turner of inappropriately touching her back in 2017, according to Captain Bratcher, but the charges were not filed by the DA’s office due to an alleged lack of evidence.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has more HERE.

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