| For Immediate Release Case # 08CF1993
July 20, 2009 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
HUSBAND ON PROBATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDER FACES TRIAL FOR THREATENING WIFE, POLICE, AND FAMILY LAW JUDGE
*Defendant also faces several bomb and weapons charges
SANTA ANA – A husband on probation for domestic violence against his estranged wife faces trial tomorrow on bomb and weapons charges after making threats against his wife, the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD), and the judge who had been presiding over his family court case. Ronald Gary Turner, 45, Costa Mesa, is charged with felonies for two counts of stalking, three counts of criminal threats, three counts of possession of a destructive device with the intent to injure, two counts of possession of a homemade deadly weapon, and one count each of possession of a loaded firearm in public, defacing the registration number of a firearm, receiving a stolen firearm, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, and dissuading a witness. If convicted on all counts, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 18 years and eight months in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin late morning or in the afternoon tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21, 2009, in Department N-2, North Justice Center, Fullerton.
On April 4, 2008, Turner was placed on probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor domestic violence restraining order charge (07WM09304). On July 1, 2008, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) received information through HBPD and the Newport Beach Police Department that the defendant may be in possession of bombs and weapons and had made potential threats against his estranged wife, a HBPD detective, and the judge who was presiding over his family law matter. The defendant is accused of failing to attend the court-ordered batterer’s treatment program, a term of his domestic violence plea, and a bench warrant was issued on the misdemeanor case on July 2, 2008.
Later that day, OCSD deputies conducted a traffic stop on the 22 Freeway. At the traffic stop, Turner is accused of possessing handcuffs, pepper spray, throwing knives, and a stolen 9mm firearm, which had the serial numbers removed and was loaded with hollow point rounds.
In his Costa Mesa home, Turner is accused of possessing three homemade bombs with two timers, two homemade guns, other bomb making materials, tactical equipment, a bullet proof vest, and listening devices. Two children, unrelated to the defendant, were living in the home in an adjacent room. The OCSD bomb squad safely detonated both homemade bombs on July 3, 2008.
Deputy District Attorney Israel Claustro of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.
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