Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog
A former Chicago High School basketball coach was convicted on four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse following a bench trial yesterday. George Turner III, a former coach at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School in Chicago, now faces up to seven years in prison for each count and must register as a sex offender. Turner was acquitted on charges of sexual assault.
During the course of the trial, the 46 year old Turner testified that he had sexually explicit conversations with two female students, one of which he supplied with sex toys and condoms. He also admitted that he participated in sexually charged conversations regarding the girls’ sexual activity. One of the victims testified that Turner took her to a sex shop in the Lakeview area and then to a parking lot near Belmont harbor where he had her perform a sex act. Turner is accused of sexually assaulting the girl on several occasions between December 2007 and February 2008. Prosecutors allege that he also fondled the other victim in his office in February of 2008. Turner was fired from his position as the boys basketball coach on February 29, 2008, after the girls came forward.
Cook County Circuit Judge James Linn was quoted, “I do believe there was some touching that occurred that was criminal in nature.” Turner, who had no previous criminal history, must now register as a sex offender.
Sexual abuse victims are often reluctant to come forward and expose predators. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse and want to know your rights click here.