EUGENE, Ore. – A 24-year-old Eugene man is facing multiple charges, including sex abuse, after being found with a missing 13-year-old girl following a weeks-long investigation by local and federal authorities.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the girl was reported as a runaway on April 13. At the time, there were few details available about her disappearance. However, on April 24, investigators received information suggesting the teen may have left with a man, later identified as Joel Joseph Turner.
A deputy from the LCSO Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began looking into the case and, based on the limited evidence, quickly concluded that the girl might have been a victim of sexual abuse. The investigation was expanded with the involvement of several agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security, and local law enforcement.
By May 2, investigators identified Turner as the primary suspect. Authorities began searching for possible locations where he and the missing girl might be hiding. Just after midnight on May 3, Eugene police officers located Turner and the girl near Skinners Butte.
Turner was arrested and charged with first-degree sex abuse, second-degree custodial interference, and unlawful contact with a child. The young girl was safely returned to her parents, who had been anxiously awaiting her return for weeks.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to gather evidence in the case. Turner is currently being held in custody, facing serious charges that carry significant legal consequences.
The collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies was crucial in locating Turner and ensuring the girl’s safe return, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing such grave matters.
