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A psychologist employed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools has been arrested on child pornography charges, according to NBC Miami. Robert Lee Turner, 62, was taken into custody on Monday, August 12, 2024, facing a slew of serious offenses.
According to police reports, Turner was charged with five counts of possession of sexual performance by a child material and two counts of promoting sexual performance by a child. Additionally, he was charged with resisting arrest without violence.
The investigation began when authorities received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the upload of child sexual abuse material to social media. The disturbing videos, which involved children between the ages of 8 and 16, were allegedly shared with over 50 other users.
"Our detectives have the unfortunate job of viewing and dissecting this very harmful material, but the end to that is them working towards identifying the individuals in these videos so that they can bring them the justice they deserve," said Miami-Dade Detective Andre Martin.
During the execution of a warrant at Turner's residence, he reportedly barricaded himself in a locked bathroom before being taken into custody. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into jail.
In a statement, Miami-Dade County Public Schools expressed their outrage and stated that Turner's employment had been terminated immediately. "This type of behavior will not be tolerated. As such, the individual's employment with the District has been terminated and he will be precluded from seeking future employment with M-DCPS," the statement read.
Turner's case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the children under the care of school professionals. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the pursuit of justice.
The arrest of a school psychologist on disturbing child pornography charges has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about the safety of students and the accountability of educational institutions. In the wake of this devastating news, we met with seasoned child sexual abuse lawyer Mike Haggard to discuss the legal rights and options available to students exploited by a school psychologist.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us today. As a lawyer who has handled cases of child sexual abuse, can you shed some light on the legal recourse available for the students who may have been victimized by a school psychologist or other trusted school employee?
Attorney Mike Haggard: Absolutely, Darla. This is a devastating situation for those involved. When a trusted authority figure like a school psychologist abuses their position of power and trust, it can have deeply traumatic and lasting effects on the victims.
The good news is that there are various legal avenues available to any student exploited or sexually abused by a school employee. They may be able to pursue civil claims against the school district for negligence, as the district has a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of the students in their care. Additionally, victims may be entitled to compensation for the harm they've suffered.
Medina: That's an important point. Can you elaborate on how the school district could be held accountable if students were victimized?
Haggard: Schools have a responsibility to screen and monitor their employees, especially those who work directly with children. If the school district failed to properly vet this individual or ignored red flags, they could be found liable for negligence. The victims may also have claims against the school for not providing adequate supervision or not acting quickly enough to protect the students once the allegations came to light.
Medina: Thank you for providing this valuable insight. It's clear that victims of school sexual abuse have an uphill battle, but there are legal avenues available to hold the school district accountable and seek the justice they deserve.
As the investigation into this alarming case continues, it's crucial that any affected students understand the legal recourse available to them. Mike Haggard stressed the importance of consulting with an experienced child sexual abuse lawyer who can guide them through the complex process and ensure their rights are protected.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this or a similar situation, we urge you to reach out to our team for a free consultation. Our compassionate legal professionals are here to listen, provide support, and explore all avenues to help you seek the justice and healing you deserve. Together, we can work to hold negligent institutions accountable and prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.
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