Charles H. Turner (attorney)
Charles H. Turner (January 14, 1936 – January 8, 2018) was an American lawyer who served as the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. Prior to his presidential appointment as U.S. Attorney, Turner worked under his predecessor, Sidney I. Lezak, for 14 years. He was appointed as Lezak's replacement by President Ronald Reagan.
Charles H. Turner | |
|---|---|
| United States Attorney for the District of Oregon | |
| In office Circa 1982 – 1993 | |
| President | Ronald Reagan George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Sidney I. Lezak |
| Succeeded by | Kristine Olson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 14, 1936 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | January 8, 2018 (aged 81) Kirkland, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (until 1981) Independent (after 1981) |
| Education | Brown University (BA) DePaul University (LLB) |
As U.S. Attorney, Turner investigated sham marriages and immigration fraud organized by Rajneeshees, followers of religious figure Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (now known as Osho) in Rajneeshpuram, Oregon. He also investigated other illegal activities such as the 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack in The Dalles, Oregon. In 1985, high-ranking Rajneeshees plotted to murder Turner, carrying out steps including assembling a team, purchasing weapons, and performing surveillance on his office, home and car. Seven Rajneeshees were later convicted of conspiracy to assassinate him.