Child sex abuser goes to prison for life

Judge John Collins sentenced child sex abuser Douglas Turnbow of McMinnville to the equivalent of a life prison term — 68 1/2 years — in Yamhill County Circuit Court Friday morning.

A jury of two women and 10 men previously found the 69-year-old retired truck drive guilty on 25 of 28 Measure 11 sex abuse charges. Turnbow's five victims, adult women today, were pre-teens at the time.

The jury rendered 12-0 decisions on five counts, 11-1 decisions on six counts and 10-2 decisions on 14 counts. The jury’s votes on the three no-verdict counts were 9-3, 8-4 and 6-6. Each count required 10 votes to convict.

At the sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Kate Petersen lobbied for a 100-year sentence. Turnbow's privately-retained attorney, Amy Margolis of Portland, requested a 100-month sentence — about eight years — and cited her client's failing health as the primary reason. She said a lengthy sentence would only serve as a "medical burden" on the state Department of Corrections.

"This is not about practical considerations," Collins said. "It is about a form of justice.

"It was egregious and horrific conduct. This brings some form of closure."

Three victims were in the courtroom. Two others listened to the sentencing hearing via speaker phone.  The father of one of the victims addressed the court. One of the victims who listened by phone also spoke.

Given an opportunity to address the victims, Turnbow did not apologize to them. He only chose to profess his innocence, saying, "I am not guilty." He denied all the allegations when he took the witness stand in his own defense during the trial.

The sentence also includes a term of post-prison supervision, court fees and a fine to be determined, in addititon to restitution.

It was an emotionally-charged hearing. Four sheriff's deputies were positioned around the courtroom.

See Tuesday's print edition for additional details.