NSO Statement Regarding Kareem Turner Sentencing Testimony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 15, 2016
Kaila DeRienzo, Public Information Officer
(757) 328-8590
NSO Statement Regarding Kareem Turner Sentencing Testimony
It was brought to our attention this morning that a Norfolk Sheriff's Office gang specialist, who testified during this morning's sentencing of Kareem Turner, had to present a judge with information as to why Mr. Turner was transferred to the Hampton Roads Regional Jail earlier this year. We have been asked to provide details regarding our employee's brief testimony.
Our statement regarding the incident is as follows:
"The Norfolk Sheriff's Office has a very strict policy against staff members developing any kind of personal relationship with inmates, as it creates security concerns. On January 25th, 2016, it was learned that such a relationship had developed between two NSO staff members and inmate Kareem Turner. The NSO Professional Standards unit worked quickly to investigate the situation, and the two deputies involved were terminated on February 3rd, 2016 and are not eligible for re-hire. Inmate Turner was transferred to Hampton Roads Regional Jail following the investigation. Due to this matter being a personnel issue, the NSO will not release the names of the deputies involved."
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