Joseph Anthony Turrey, Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, WA 2024

Tacoma, WA — A 68-year-old Lower Elwha S’Klallam tribal member is facing federal charges for the sexual abuse of two minors, one as young as 6 at the time the assaults began. Joseph Anthony Turrey of Port Angeles, Washington, was indicted this week on two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and one count of sexual abuse of a minor, according to U.S. Attorney Nick Brown.

Turrey was arrested on November 10, 2021, and remains in federal custody awaiting arraignment on November 26, 2021. The charges stem from a disturbing pattern of abuse that allegedly unfolded over more than a decade on tribal land, where federal jurisdiction applies due to the nature of crimes committed in Indian Country.

The case came to light when one young victim recently disclosed the abuse to Lower Elwha S’Klallam child welfare authorities. That report triggered a swift investigation by the Lower Elwha S’Klallam Tribal Police and the FBI. Special forensic interviewers from the National Park Service assisted in gathering evidence from the traumatized child.

Investigators uncovered that Turrey allegedly began assaulting one victim as early as 2008. Both victims were between the ages of 6 and 7 when the abuse started. The prolonged duration and severity of the crimes underscore the depth of betrayal felt by the victims and their community.

Each count of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The additional charge of sexual abuse of a minor could bring up to 15 years behind bars. If convicted, Turrey could spend the rest of his life in prison.

The case is being jointly investigated by the FBI and the Lower Elwha S’Klallam Police Department, with support from National Park Service forensic specialists. Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams is prosecuting. The indictment contains allegations only; Joseph Anthony Turrey is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.