Updated: Report Details Child Neglect, Cruelty Charges Against Fired Deputy
August 6, 2024
An Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report details the allegations against an ECSO deputy that was fired after he and his wife were arrested on child neglect charges.
Christopher George Turney, 40, and Leandra Childers Turney, 39, were each charged with two counts of felony child neglect without great bodily harm and two counts of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor by failing to require school attendance, Christopher Turney was also charged with one felony count of cruelty toward a child.
The alleged abuse occurred between May 2022 and August 1, 2024.
Christopher Turney was released from jail on a $17,000 bond, and Leandra Turney was released on a $14,000 bond. Both mugshots were exempt from release by Florida law (F.S.S. 119.071).
The following allegations were made, according to an ECSO arrest report obtained Tuesday by NorthEscambia.com:
The investigation began after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Beulah Baptist Church were one of the children had threatened self-harm due to physical and mental abuse at the hands of the Turneys.
The child told deputies that Christopher Turney is historically physically abusive to him and has punched him in the face, causing bruising. He stated that he was fearful of telling his story because he thought “no one would believe me because (he) is a cop.” The child stated that he started walking to Beulah Baptist Church and finally told a preacher of the abuse of was afraid to return home.
The child stated that he had not had formal education since his adoption in 2017 and made money by mowing about 20 lawns a month and earns $20-$0 each. He stated that all of the money earned is immediately taken by Christopher Turney who uses it to purchase groceries.
Both children were forensically interviewed at the Gulf Coast Kid’s House.
The female child stated that she moved to Florida from Alabama in 2019, and that they are homeschooled, working on school assignments about one or two hours per day. She said she reads books, tells what it was about and receives a passing grade. She stated that she was unaware what grade level she was in. The child stated that Leandra Turney was responsible for school assignments and oversight, but she is often out of town on business and not able to provide the supervision.
The female child stated she does not have a primary care physician and has only seen a doctor when sick. She denied ever witnessing abuse in the home.
The deputy not that the decay on her front teeth was obvious, with photographs depicting four front teeth that are black from decay and a large pit on one tooth.
She said “she doesn’t brush her teen because she does not have toothbrush. (She) said (redacted) Christopher was ’saving up money’ to get a new toothbrush and fix her teeth,” a deputy wrote in the report.
The male child told deputies that he would rather be “homeless” than return home, and that he suffers abuse weekly. He said Christopher Turney “choked him out” as recently as July 27, 2024, and he was unable to breathe. He said he took photos of the bruising and skin irritation and provided four photographs of what appeared to be discoloration and bruising of his face and chest.
He stated that he enjoys reading but does not do so as an educational assignment.
During an interview with an ECOS investigator, Christopher Turney, accompanied by a defense attorney, stated that he was ultimately responsible for the children’s care and hygiene. He stated that the female had an upcoming dental appointment in Alabama this September, and that a relative is a dental provider and has provided the family with dental care in the past. The family member told the ECSO that he works as a dental hygienist but has not provided or assisted with any dental care since 2018, which was before one child was born in 2019. She stated she has provided the family with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and basic supplies for daily care.
Christopher Turney stated that Leandra Turney is often out of town, and while she is the primary contact for the children’s homeschooling, he often assists the children with their work assignments.
Christopher Turney admitted that he “spanked” a child about seven years ago with no physical discipline of any kind since then, instead opting to “talk things out” with the child. He denied causing any marks or bruising, claiming his worst form of reaction is to yell.
The report states that the Turney’s have not provided documentation or proof of compliance with state statutes of homeschooling children.
The male child often breaks things at home, Christopher Turney said, and the lawn care money is used to replace the items.
Resurfacing Project Nearing Completion On Highway 196
August 6, 2024
A resurfacing project on a portion of Highway 196 near Molino is nearing completion.
The roadway is being resurfaced over about two miles from Highway 29 to Country Road 95A.
According to Escambia County, crews are expected to finish the paving operation as early as Tuesday, weather permitting.
There will be incidental work performed in the days to follow, such as shoulder work to seed and sod, concrete driveways to finish and final striping after pavement cure time.
Pictured: Highway 196 between Highway 29 and Highway 95A as seen on Saturday, August 3. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Updated: Escambia School Orientations Begin Wednesday
August 6, 2024
Updated: The Escambia County School District provided erroneous information to us on school orientation dates and times for several middle schools. We have updated times and dates as below for middle schools, according to school websites or social media. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the district’s misinformation.
Orientations for public schools in Escambia County begin on Wednesday.
The first day of school in Escambia County is Monday, August 12.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Escambia County elementary schools will hold orientations on Wednesday, August 7 at 9 .m. At most schools, students will be able to meet their teachers, drop off supplies and see their classrooms.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Sixth grade and new student orientations:
Ransom Middle — Wednesday, August 7 — 10 a.m. – noon
Ernest Ward — Thursday, August 8 — 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Beulah — Thursday, August 8 — 10 a.m. – noon
Bailey — Wednesday, August 7 — 1-2:30 p.m
Bellview — Thursday, August 8 — 1-2:30 p.m.
Brown-Barge — Friday, August 9 — 10 a.m. – noon
Ferry Pass — Wednesday, August 7 — 1-2:30 p.m.
Workman — Wednesday, August 7 — 10-11:30 a.m.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Ninth grade and new student orientations:
Northview — Thursday, August 8 — 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Tate — Thursday, August 8 — 1 – 3 p.m.
West Florida — Saturday, August 10 — 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Pine Forest — Saturday, August 10 — 9 a.m. – noon
Pensacola — Tuesday, August 6 — 9 a.m.
Washington — Monday, August 5 — 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Escambia — (Was held Thursday, August 1)
Orientation dates and times provided by the Escambia County School District.
Amateur Radio Operators In Escambia County Provide Assistance During Hurricane Debby
August 6, 2024
As Hurricane Debby impacted the Big Bend area of Florida Monday, the Five Flags Amateur Radio Association stood by ready to offer emergency communication services from the Escambia County Public Safety facility on W Street.
The group maintained constant with other emergency ham operators in Tallahassee and Jacksonville. Ham operators have the distinct ability to establish emergency communications without outside assistance.
Escambia County said their role is crucial during an emergency response due to their abilities to maintain constant communication when other services are lost.
The team planned to remain on-air until assistance was no longer needed.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NWE Football Needs More Players Ages 5 Or 6; Registration Is Free
August 6, 2024
NWE Football in Walnut Hill needs a few more football players ages 5 or 6.
NWE is offering free registration for the five who want to play.
For more information, contact NWE Football on Facebook.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Shed Fire Was Caused By Lightning, ECFR Says
August 6, 2024
A lightning strike has been determined to be the cause of a shed fire north of East Kingsfield Road Saturday night.
The Cantonment and Ensley stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the fire in the 1400 block of Templemore Drive about 7 p.m.
They arrived to find the shed engulfed in flames in the backyard of a home. The fire was brought under control in minutes, and firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to another structure.
ECFR conducted the investigation and determined the fire was caused by a lightning strike.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday Party Is Wednesday At The Molino Library
August 6, 2024
Smokey Bear is turning 80 this year, and kids of all ages are invited to a birthday celebration.
The West Florida Public Libraries and the Florida Forest Service will an 80th birthday celebration for Smokey on Wednesday beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Molino Branch Library at 6450 North Highway 95A in the Molino Community Center.
There will be lots of fun and educational activities, and Smokey is expected to make a special appearance.
The program is expected to last about an hour.
(This program will take place in lieu of the usual Family Story Time.)
NorthEscambia.com graphic, click to enlarge.
Century Woman Charged With Smuggling Meth Into County Jail
August 5, 2024
A Century woman is facing felony drug charges for allegedly taking meth into the Escambia County Jail after he arrest on a misdemeanor arrest warrant.
Sandra Lee Walston, 50, was charged with introduction of contraband into a county jail and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
Walston was arrested recently on Wood Street in Century on an outstanding failure to appear warrant and transported to the jail. A corrections officer found a small bag containing 0.48 grams of methamphetamine on her person when she was searched, according to an arrest report.
Walston was asked prior to being transported from Wood Street and prior to arrival at the jail if she “had anything on her that would get her into trouble, and she stated that she did not.,” the report states.
She remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning without bond due to the failure to appear warrant.
EREC Walnut Hill Office Closed For Renovations
August 5, 2024
The Escambia River Electric Cooperative Walnut Hill Office is temporarily closed for renovations.
Members can visit the cooperative’s Jay office for water or electric services, or call (850) 675-4521. Online bill pay is also available.
For postal services, all mail and packages can be picked up from the McDavid Post Office.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Intent Movement With Sidewalk Prophets
August 5, 2024
Christian music’s Sidewalk Prophets headlined the Intent Movement event Sunday night at the in Atmore.
Worship leaders were the Chapels and guest speakers were Josh Davis. who is the youth and children’s pastor at Atmore First Assembly, and Courtney McBride, who is the principal at Flomaton Elementary School.
A large crowd attended the worship event at the Poarch Cultural Arena.
For a photo gallery with the Sidewalk Prophets, click or tap here.
For a photo gallery with the rest of the Intent Movement, click or tap here.
For our NorthEscambia.com Sunday story and interview with David Frey, frontman of the Sidewalk Prophets, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
