SMITHFIELD – A Johnston County man on the NC Sex Offender Registry has been arrested on new charges.
Joshua Lawrence Turner, age 38, of Smithfield was arrested Nov. 17 by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
Turner was charged with two counts of second degree forcible sex offense and two counts of sexual act by a substitute parent or custodian.
The incidents allegedly occurred November 1, 2023 and involved a juvenile with a mental disability.
Turner has been on the NC Sex Offender Registry since his conviction in 2004 for taking indecent liberties with two children in Johnston County. According to reports, turner sexually assaulted a brother and sister, ages 8 and 10, in 2003. He was an acquaintance of the family when the crimes occurred. Following his 2004 conviction, Turner spent 10 months in prison and was placed on probation for 36 months.
Following his Nov. 17 arrest, Turner was confined in the Johnston County Detention Center without bond pending his first court appearance.
Castration seems a fitting punishment for such a repeat offense.
YES LORD!!!!
10 months for assaulting multiple, prepubescent kids??? He’s a perfect candidate for mandatory minimum sentencing. 30 years AT LEAST!