SWEETWATER COUNTY -- A Rock Springs man pleaded not guilty on Thursday, April 10, to 23 counts of sexual exploitation of children - possession of child pornography.
Richard Allen Turner, 56, offered his plea during his arraignment in the Sweetwater County Third District Court of Judge Suzannah Robinson.
Each count carries a possible maximum prison sentence of 10 years, up to a $10,000 fine, or both. If found guilty of all 23 counts, Turner could face up to 230 years in prison and/or a $230,000 fine.
According to the police affidavit, detectives performed extractions and analyses of Turner's cell phone while investigating another case. They allegedly found multiple images and videos of a sexual nature of the victim.
Trial was set for 9 a.m. on Aug. 4. Defense Attorney Rachel Weksler requested a pre-sentence investigation, and Judge Robinson continued Turner's bond at $500,000 cash only.
This case is related to other charges Turner is facing. He pleaded not guilty in January to 13 counts of first degree sexual abuse of a minor, second offense; three counts of unlawful delivery of a Schedule I drug (methamphetamine) to a minor, and three counts of child abuse. The trial for these charges is set for June 2.
Turner was also charged in November for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender. He pleaded not guilty on Nov. 20, 2024, but according to his case file, a change of plea hearing has been set for 1:30 p.m. on April 28.
Prosecution has filed a motion that they will seek a sentencing enhancement of life in prison without parole due to Turner's previous 2001 conviction in Kansas for aggravated indecent liberties of a child.
THE CASE
According to the affidavit of facts, on Nov. 19, 2024, Det. Jennifer Saloga of the Rock Springs Police Department received a letter written by the minor involved in this case. The letter was written to Turner, and in the letter the minor professed her love for Turner even though Turner “has hurt her in the worst of ways.”
Saloga interviewed the minor, who described in detail the sexual abuse and drug use. The minor also told the detective that Jennifer Fahrney, who was also arrested, was in a “close relationship” with Turner.
Fahrney is also accused of participating in the alleged abuse.
Fahrney, 38, was arraigned Jan. 2, 2025, on a whopping 66 total felony charges, which includes sexual exploitation of a minor and child endangerment. She pleaded not guilty to all charges in Robinson’s court and faces a maximum prison sentence of 858 years.
Turner and Fahrney were originally arrested on Oct. 22, 2024, as part of an incident involving a welfare check on children at a Rock Springs home. Fahrney and Turner were living in a camper trailer at the residence.
Turner is 40 years older than the minor in this case.
