Tulsa Police Officer Arrested In Prostitution Sting

The Tulsa Police Department says one of its officers was arrested Thursday after he tried to pay for sex from an undercover officer.

Jail records state David Turner, 52, made contact with the undercover female officer at the Executive Inn in the 11300 block of East 11th at about 3 p.m.

The report says Turner met the officer at the motel and "solicited sex for $40."

He was arrested and a search revealed he was carrying a handgun. The report says the incident took place near the In The Spirit Christian Church on South Garnett.

The department issued the following statement:

Cpl. Dave Turner with the Tulsa Police Department was arrested after a lengthy internal investigation. The Tulsa Police Department received information regarding alleged criminal activity involving Turner and in return launched an investigation which included the Tulsa Police Departments Special Investigations Division and agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

Turner was booked into the Tulsa County Jail on complaints of engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. Records show his bond is $11,500. Turner has a court appearance set for September 13.

Tulsa Police Department's Internal Affairs got about 120 complaints last year. That is about six complaints for every 1,000 arrests.

They say they take each one seriously, no matter how small or large and regardless if the person gives their name or does it anonymously.

The department said a recent complaint led to an investigation of Corporal David Turner. Internal Affairs set up a sting operation and say they caught Turner offering money to an undercover officer in exchange for sex. 

Last year, another sting operation showed Officer Marvin Blades Jr. taking money from Hispanic drivers during car stops. Blades was recently convicted and sent to prison.

8/8/2013 Related Story: Ex-Tulsa Police Officer Convicted Of Robbing Hispanics In Traffic Stops

Internal Affairs officers say it's not fun investigating their own, but they have a duty to do so.

"I've investigated officers I went to the academy with, that I've developed a friendship with, that I trust and this job depends on trust and it's a disappointment not only to the community but to myself and fellow officers," said Tulsa Police Captain Richard Alexander.

Turner has not been charged and did not want to do an interview at this time.

About two-thirds of the complaints to Internal Affairs are from citizens and a third from officers within the department.

The department says Turner has been placed on routine administrative leave as a result of the investigation and arrest.

Corporal David Turner was featured in a 2009 News On 6 story after suffering an ankle injury which resulted in having his leg amputated below the knee.

5/20/2009 Related Story: Tulsa Officer Adjusting To New Leg