The second in command in the Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office is taking a new job and leaving a big hole to fill. Aspen Public Radio’s Carolyn Sackariason reports.
Scott Turner, the right hand man to District Attorney Sherry Caloia leaves his post as assistant DA on April 17th. Three days later, he will start his new job in the Attorney General’s Office. The state office sought out Turner to be the deputy attorney general in charge of the criminal justice division. He will be handling criminal cases throughout the state and manage the 60-person department. Turner gave his notice to Caloia last Monday.
“I think she was surprised...it wasn’t necessarily something I was looking for. It’s not like I was out there applying for jobs. Like I said, it’s just something that came along at the right time. I will certainly miss the valley but this was an opportunity that I just can’t pass up.”
Turner’s departure is one of many in the DA’s Office since Caloia took office. The turnover rate in the 33-person department is around 50 percent. That’s been attributed to either employees being terminated, leaving for better financial opportunities or other reasons.
Previously Turner worked in the ninth district in 2005 and 2006 under two DAs. He was working in the fifth judicial district before Caloia tapped him as her assistant DA. Turner has the most experience with homicide cases in the DA’s office...and there are two pending murder cases in the district. Caloia says it will be difficult to replace Turner.
“He’s been great. I will miss him. I can’t say that I’m happy about this because I am very disappointed to lose him but it’s a great opportunity for him and an honor for the office to have somebody for our little district be chosen for such a prestigious job.”
Caloia is looking for a replacement within her office and outside of it. She expects to make a decision in the next two weeks.
