UPDATED: A previous version of this story indicated the accused is an athletic trainer. The National Athletic Trainers' Association confirmed to AB that he did not hold a certification for athletic training. This story has been corrected to reflect that.
A trainer in California has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple girls while working at two schools in the San Fernando Valley over the last five years.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday that 64-year-old Richard Turner has been charged with six counts each of sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery, four counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person and one count each of forcible rape and forcible oral copulation.
According to authorities, Turner worked as a trainer at Van Nuys High School and Birmingham Community Charter School. Between 2017 and this year, Turner allegedly sexually assaulted 10 student-athletes who were seeking rehabilitation or recovery from playing sports. The alleged assaults took place on and off campus.
The Los Angeles Police Department is still investigating the case.
“A school is a place where our children should feel safe and protected by those who we are supposed to trust,” district attorney George Gascón said. “It is crushing for the victims’ families and our education system when someone takes advantage of a youth. I am grateful for the young women who stepped forward in this case to recount what happened to them."
If anyone who may be a victim or has additional information, can contact LAPD at 818-374-5415 or 877-527-3247 or LADA’s Bureau of Victim Services at 800-380-3811.
