Umpire sentenced for molesting girls

An umpire who molested three players in front of spectators during softball games in Camarillo was sentenced last month to time served in jail and 36 months probation.

Stephen Darrick Turner, 45, pleaded guilty Oct. 28 to three counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. He had spent 240 days in jail before being released in December 2007.

"I believe it was a fair disposition, considering all the facts," prosecutor Gilbert Romero said.

The incidents occurred in June 2007, when Turner was umpiring the Camarillo Girls Softball AllStar Tournament at Adolfo Camarillo High. A Santa Paula resident at the time, Turner committed the crimes during the game and in front of some 50 spectators.

Turner touched a player on the buttocks on June 2 while officiating behind home plate. The girl and her mother reported the incident to the coach, who notified the company that had hired Turner, Romero said.

Turner returned the following day, however, and touched two players on their buttocks when umpiring between second and third base.

Romero said he didn't know why Turner's employer allowed him to return after the first girl accused him of fondling her.

"That is even more bizarre than his conduct," Romero said.

Two of the victims were 13 years old and one victim was 14 years old at the time. All three victims are doing well now, Romero said.

Turner, who's married and has one child, suffers from bipolar disorder. Romero and Turner's attorney, Ron Bamieh, blame the brain disorder for his actions

"He was ill," Bamieh said.

Turner, who now lives in Santa Barbara County, is in a treatment program and takes medication daily, his attorney said.

People who suffer from mental illness are often put into the criminal justice system unfairly, Bamieh said.

"These people should not be caged; they should be treated for their illness," he said.

Turner must register as a sex offender with the police department where he lives.

But the national website that tracks registered sex offenders, www.meganslaw.ca.gov, does not list his name.

Romero said Turner may have registered with police but the department may not have updated its database.