Officers arrested a Miami-Dade County Public Schools psychologist on multiple charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, according to a Tuesday press release from the police department.
Dr. Robert Lee Turner, 62, was arrested after police received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that he had uploaded child sexual abuse material to an internet platform, the station said. press release.
The Miami-Dade Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC) led the investigation, which revealed that the suspect is accused of distributing two videos depicting sexually explicit acts involving minors to more than 50 online users. (Related article: Teacher and 'Jeopardy' champion arrested on child pornography charges: Report)
The investigation led to a search of Turner's home, and he attempted to evade authorities by barricading himself in a bathroom, but police were able to detain him and charge him with multiple counts of child pornography and resisting arrest, police said. Local 10.
The suspect appeared in bail court on Tuesday, where his bail was set at $28,000. He was subsequently placed under house arrest and required to wear a GPS monitor, news outlets reported.
According to information provided by NCMEC via Instagram, one of the videos Turner allegedly shared showed two naked children, approximately 10 to 12 years old, engaging in a sexual act. Another video allegedly showed four naked boys, approximately 8 to 12 years old, engaging in a sexual act while two of them were asleep.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools announced in a statement that Turner had been fired, according to Local 10. “Miami-Dade County Public Schools is deeply troubled by the disturbing allegations made against this individual. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. As such, this individual has been terminated from his employment with the district and will not be able to seek future employment with M-DCPS,” the statement read.
The investigation is ongoing and authorities continue to examine evidence related to the charges against Turner.
