Charles H. Turner (attorney)

Charles H. Turner
United States Attorney for the District of Oregon
In office Circa 1982 – 1993
Nominated by	President Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	Sidney I. Lezak
Succeeded by	Kristine Olson
Personal details
Born	1936 (age 80–81)
Residence	Washington

Charles H. Turner (born 1936) is a former 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.

As U.S. Attorney, Turner investigated sham marriages and immigration fraud organized by followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (now known as Osho) in Rajneeshpuram, Oregon, as well as other illegal activities including the 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack in The Dalles, Oregon. In 1985, high-ranking followers of Rajneesh plotted to murder Turner, carrying out steps including assembling a team, purchasing weapons, and performing surveillance on his office, home and car. Seven followers of Rajneesh were later convicted of conspiracy to assassinate him.

While U.S. Attorney, Turner hired prosecutors Michael Mosman and Mark Bailey; both would later go on to serve as U.S. Attorney for Oregon. He retired in 1993, and was succeeded by Kristine Olson, who he had previously supervised as U.S. Attorney.

Turner served as an assistant to his predecessor, Sidney I. Lezak, for 14 years. He was once registered as a Republican, but by 1981 he was registered as an independent voter. In December 1981, Turner was favored by the Reagan Administration to replace Lezak, and was successfully appointed by President Ronald Reagan. By 1982, Turner was the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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