TN - Boy, 2, abandoned with note at Goodwill drop-off in Mississippi, 14 Dec 2020 *arrest*

I wish there were laws to protect people who safely delivered children to designated places.

That way people who found themselves in desperate circumstances, or thought themselves to be in desperate circumstances, would be encouraged to drop children off safely rather than leaving them with someone who could possibly harm or neglect them.

I feel for the safety of children, a “no questions asked” safe drop off policy should be enacted nationwide.

IMO, it shouldn’t matter WHY a child is being safely dropped off, or what the relationship is between the child and person dropping off. I just care that the child is SAFE. And the age shouldn’t matter either. Newborn, toddler, ten year old, just surrender them safely.
 
Any word on what happened at Turner's Monday hearing?

TIA!
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@Seattle1 - Not doing good on searching for Tennessee federal court site - if you have a link - please post & I'll see if I can access it! TIA!
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U.S. District Court
Western District of Tennessee (Memphis)
CRIMINAL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 2:20-cr-20228-MSN-2


Case title: United States of America v. Fitzgerald et al
Date Filed: 12/15/2020

Assigned to: Judge Mark S. Norris

Defendant (2)
Turliscea Turner

Pending Counts
None

Highest Offense Level (Opening)
None

Terminated Counts
None

Highest Offense Level (Terminated)
None

Complaints
18:1201.F

Plaintiff
United States of America

_____________

Docket Report at 12/22/20

Date Filed # Docket Text

12/15/2020
#
1 COMPLAINT as to Jeremy Fitzgerald (1), Turliscea Turner (2). (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit) (cas) (Entered: 12/17/2020)

12/16/2020
#4
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton: Initial Appearance as to Turliscea Turner (2) held on 12/16/2020. The Court read the charges to the defendant and advised her of her rights. Rule 5(f) addressed. Defendant's request for court appointed counsel is granted. Financial Affidavit entered by the defendant. The court declared the defendant indigent and appointed counsel from the CJA Panel. (Dewun Settle) Government seeks detention. Probable Cause/Detention Hearing set for Friday, December 18, 2020 at 3:00 PM via Skype Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff. Order of Temporary Detention entered. Defendant remanded to the custody of the USM. (AUSA: Dean DeCandia) (Defense Counsel: None) (PTO: L. Wingard) (Tape #FTR/Skype)(Per ADMIN. ORDER 2020-42) (tlh) (Entered: 12/17/2020)

12/16/2020
# 6
CJA 23 Financial Affidavit by Turliscea Turner. (tlh) (Entered: 12/17/2020)

12/16/2020
#7
ORDER APPOINTING CJA COUNSEL as to Turliscea Turner. Dewun R. Settle for appointed Turliscea Turner. Signed by Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton on 12/16/2020. (Claxton, Charmiane) (Entered: 12/17/2020)

12/16/2020
#8
ORDER OF TEMPORARY DETENTION as to Turliscea Turner. Probable Cause/Detention Hearing set for 12/18/2020 03:00 PM via Skype before Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff. Signed by Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton on 12/16/2020. (Claxton, Charmiane) (Entered: 12/17/2020)

12/16/2020
#10
ORDER [Text Only - No Image Attached] RE: CRIMINAL RULE 5(f) as to Turliscea Turner. Pursuant to the Due Process Protections Act, the Court confirms the obligation of the United States to produce all exculpatory evidence to the defendant pursuant to Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), and its progeny, and orders it to do so. Failing to do so in a timely manner may result in consequences, including, but not limited to, exclusion of evidence, adverse jury instructions, dismissal of charges, contempt proceedings, or sanctions by the Court. Signed by Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton on 12/16/2020. (Claxton, Charmiane) (Entered: 12/18/2020)

12/17/2020
# 5
PRETRIAL SERVICES REPORT as to Turliscea Turner. (Norman, Elaina) (Entered: 12/17/2020)

12/18/2020
#9
Arrest Warrant Returned Executed on 12/16/2020 as to Turliscea Turner. (agj) (Entered: 12/18/2020)

12/18/2020
#11
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff: Probable Cause/Detention Hearing as to Turliscea Turner (2) was to be held on 12/18/2020. Defense Counsel oral motion for continuance-Granted. Probable Cause/Detention Hearing RESET for Monday, 12/21/2020 at 2:30 PM via Skype before Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton. Defendant remanded to USM custody. (AUSA: L. Delery)(Defense Counsel: D. Settle, CJA)(PTO: E. Norman) (Tape #FTR/Skype)(Per ADMIN. ORDER 2020-42) (tlh) (Entered: 12/18/2020)

12/21/2020
#12
Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton: Probable Cause/Detention Hearing as to Turliscea Turner (2) held on 12/21/2020. Defendant in custody and consents to video hearing. Government proof/witness sworn: Charles Irvine, FBI. Defense proof/witness sworn: Karen Kelly. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court found probable cause and ordered the defendant detained. This matter is held to the action of the Grand Jury. Order of detention entered. Defendant remanded to USM custody. (AUSA: L. Delery)(Defense Counsel: D. Settle, CJA)(PO: E. Norman)(Tape #FTR/Skype)(Per ADMIN. ORDER 2020-42) (tlh) (Entered: 12/22/2020)

12/21/2020
#13
ORDER OF DETENTION PENDING TRIAL as to Turliscea Turner. Signed by Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton on 12/21/2020. (Claxton, Charmiane) (Entered: 12/22/2020)

 
U.S. District Court
Western District of Tennessee (Memphis)
CRIMINAL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 2:20-cr-20228-MSN-1


Case title: United States of America v. Fitzgerald et al
Date Filed: 12/15/2020

Assigned to: Judge Mark S. Norris

Defendant (1)
Jeremy Fitzgerald


Pending Counts
None

Highest Offense Level (Opening)
None

Terminated Counts
None

Highest Offense Level (Terminated)
None

Complaints
18:1201.F

Plaintiff
United States of America



Date Filed # Docket Text

12/15/2020
#1 COMPLAINT as to Jeremy Fitzgerald (1), Turliscea Turner (2). (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit) (cas) (Entered: 12/17/2020)
 
@Niner - both are assigned to Judge Mark Norris and I'll look for a calendar link and post if available.

I'm not sure if both defendants Fitzgerald and Turner will be tried together.

Dockets are current as of today 12/22/20.

There are no events/hearings scheduled for Jeremy Fitzgerald.
 
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Not an American but I know that taking a child across state lines ramps things up severely. I'm guessing that's part of the equation.
Yes, it's true about transporting the child across the state line and why the defendants are charged with kidnapping in federal court.

I'm concerned the birth mom and auntie did not report the child missing immediately but it does seem that LE was able to use JF phone pings to ultimately locate the two defendants from information obtained from auntie after she communicated with JF.

Ladies, this is a 24-month-old child and not a book you leave behind! :eek:
 
Last edited:
I believe TT will cooperate with authorities and this will be wrapped up soon.

It was determined there was probable cause to charge and detain TT for kidnapping and her case will go to the grand jury for indictment.

From the complaint, she owned the car that was crashed before the two defendants were apprehended.

Her co-defendant, JF, was injured during the car crash and was taken to the hospital before finding himself in federal custody.

JF alleges he has outstanding warrants in Shelby County and the reason he took the child across state lines to leave him in another jurisdiction.

From the complaint, JF further alleges that he met the child's mother, AS, on a dating site. He admitted that he knew she had a son and that he told the mother that TT could babysit. JF admitted he took AS to Nashville and left her in Nashville after they had an argument about money.

JF stated to investigators that AS spent/lost his money after he sent her inside a club to mingle, and he was demanding money from the auntie for reimbursement (versus ransom for the child).

It seems to me that there's probably some truth to JF wanting to act as a pimp for the child's mother. I don't know why else he would send her inside a club to mingle while he waited outside. (JF later said AS was sent inside the bars to sell drugs).

JF has not appeared before the judge and no hearing scheduled.

Case 2:20-cr-20228-MSN Document 1-1 Filed 12/15/20
 
I suppose someone has asked it before, but I wonder what did thought that she was going to Nashville with him for?

According to the complaint, JF and the child's mother met on a dating site and she probably thought he was taking her to Nashville to go clubbing!

JF admitted to LE that he knew she had a young son and that he told her TT was his sister and would babysit. (TT told LE that they were in a relationship, not siblings, and she agreed to take care of the child overnight).
 
I suppose someone has asked it before, but I wonder what did thought that she was going to Nashville with him for?


Just a guess! They meet on a dating site. He promises her a great night out in Nashville. Sad, but some women will do reckless things to get a man. Have a night out.

Honestly I can't believe I believe bio mom. She got set up. She didn't need a pimp and stood her ground. Aside from probably what she knows now is the most dangerous thing she ever did. Left her child with a damn stranger. She got what it's made of to fight back and have self esteem. Sad at the expense of leaving her baby.

Yep, Nashville was a date. Just not the kind of date she thought. JMO
 
@Seattle1 - You don't have a link to all the info you found for these 2. I have the Judge's link, but not the other one with court notes you posted on #83 & #84 above. Is there anything new - or can you give me the link - to see if I can access it - so I don't have to bother you with this one? :)

TIA!
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Not sure! Thought the incident occurred in Southaven, Mississippi?

Per my notes - it started in Tennessee.
Fitzgerald, Turner & an unknown subject drove & transported the child across state boundary from Memphis, TN to Southaven, MS.

This thread used to be under TN.... and he is in the Tennessee Federal Court system.
 
@Seattle1 - You don't have a link to all the info you found for these 2. I have the Judge's link, but not the other one with court notes you posted on #83 & #84 above. Is there anything new - or can you give me the link - to see if I can access it - so I don't have to bother you with this one? :)

TIA!
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No change in the Judge (Mark Norris) so the federal court calendar link provided earlier should work.

There's been little activity other than both defendants charged for kidnapping by indictment but the indictments are sealed so no info is public.

Turner was released on $5000 bond on 4/22/21 and Fitzgerald remains in custody.

This is a federal court case so the docket report comes from Pacer. The trial date has been set as follows:

This Docket is current as of 7/5/21:

05/13/2021
#51 AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER as to Jeremy Fitzgerald, Turliscea Turner. Jury Trial set Monday, September 13, 2021 at 9:30 AM in Courtroom 3 - Memphis before Judge Mark S. Norris. Trial estimated to take 5 days. Out town witnesses are expected. Discovery due by 06/28/2021. Pretrial Motions due by 06/28/2021. Change of Plea deadline is 08/10/2021. Final Report Date set for Tuesday, 08/10/2021 at 2:30 PM in Courtroom 4 - Memphis before Judge Mark S. Norris. Time excluded from 05/13/2021 through 10/01/2021 in order to allow additional time to prepare. Signed by Judge Mark S. Norris on 05/13/2021. (Norris, Mark) (Entered: 05/13/2021)

05/13/2021
#52 SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT as to Jeremy Fitzgerald (1) count(s) 1s, Turliscea Turner (2) count(s) 1s. (cas) (Entered: 05/16/2021)

05/13/2021
#53 SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT (PENALTY COPY) as to Jeremy Fitzgerald, Turliscea Turner. (Attachments: # 1 Notice of Penalties) (cas) (Entered: 05/16/2021)

05/25/2021
#54 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham: Initial Appearance on Superseding Indictment as to Jeremy Fitzgerald (1) was to be held on 5/25/2021. Defendant not present - currently in quarantine. Initial Appearance on Superseding Indictment is RESET for Friday, 5/28/2021 at 2:00 PM via Teams before Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton.(AUSA: L. Craig)(Defense Counsel: J. Irvine)(PTO: E. Norman) (Tape #FTR/Zoom) (tlh) (Entered: 05/26/2021)

05/25/2021
#55 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham: Initial Appearance on Superseding Indictment as to Turliscea Turner (2) held on 5/25/2021. Defendant on bond and consents to video hearing. The Court read the charges to the defendant and advised her of her rights. Rule 5(f) addressed. Defendant is represented by Dewun Settle, CJA. Defendant to remain on present bond. Defense to file a motion to modify bond conditions. Defendant consents to video arraignment. Defendant was arraigned. Defendant waived formal reading of the charges and entered a PLEA of NOT GUILTY on all counts. Trial Date and Report Date to be Set and Noticed by the District Judge. (AUSA: L. Craig)(Defense Counsel: D. Settle, CJA)(PTO: E. Norman) (Tape #FTR/Zoom)(Per ADMIN. ORDER 2021-12) (tlh) (Entered: 05/26/2021)

05/25/2021
#56 ORDER RE: CRIMINAL RULE 5(f) as to Turliscea Turner. Pursuant to the Due Process Protections Act, the Court confirms the obligation of the United States to produce all exculpatory evidence to the defendant pursuant to Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), and its progeny, and orders it to do so. Failing to do so in a timely manner may result in consequences, including, but not limited to, exclusion of evidence, adverse jury instructions, dismissal of charges, contempt proceedings, or sanctions by the Court. Signed by Chief Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham on 5/25/2021. (Pham, Tu) (Entered: 05/26/2021)

05/28/2021
#59 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton: Initial Appearance on Superseding Indictment as to Jeremy Fitzgerald held on 5/28/2021. The Court read the charges to the defendant and advised him of his rights. Defendant previously appointed counsel. Defendant previously detained. Arraignment as to Jeremy Fitzgerald (1) Count 1,1s held on 5/28/2021. Defendant waived the formal reading of the Superseding Indictment and a NOT GUILTY plea entered on all counts. Trial Date and Report Date to be set and noticed by the District Court. Defendant remanded to the custody of the USM. (AUSA: L. Craig. Defense Counsel: J. Irvine-CJA.) (Tape #Teams) (cas) (Entered: 06/01/2021)

06/09/2021
#60 First MOTION to Amend/Correct /Alter Bond Conditions, Proposed Order Submitted by Turliscea Turner. (Settle, Dewun) (Entered: 06/09/2021)

06/10/2021
#61 TEXT SETTING LETTER as to Turliscea Turner: Re: (No Image Associated, Text Only) Motion Hearing set for 6/11/2021 01:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff. 60 First MOTION to Amend/Correct /Alter Bond Conditions, Proposed Order Submitted.
The proceeding will be done via Microsoft Teams video conference. The Court will email the parties an invitation for the video conference prior to the proceeding. Defendants in custody will appear via video. Defendants on bond may participate by video or call into the conference. A call-in number will be provided in the email invitation.

Counsel should submit any exhibits to be offered to the Judge's ECF mailbox prior to the proceeding.

The public may also access the video proceeding. Defense counsel is responsible for sharing access information with the defendant's family. The Government is responsible for notifying any known victims of their right to access the proceeding. If the public and/or media wish to attend in the video proceeding, please click on the following link to request access information: https://www.tnwd.uscourts.gov/videohearings The access information will be delivered via email to the email address from which the request originated.

Parties should consult the instructions for Joining a Meeting in Teams or Joining a Meeting Without a Teams Account.

Please email Vallonda Pettway at [email protected] for any questions. (vup) (Entered: 06/10/2021)

06/11/2021
#62 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff: Motion Hearing as to Turliscea Turner held on 6/11/2021 re 60 First MOTION to Amend/Correct /Alter Bond Conditions, Proposed Order Submitted filed by Turliscea Turner. Lauren Delery appeared for the Government. Dewun Settle appeared for the Defense. Defendant on Bond and consented to appeared via video. Defendants Motion Granted. Order Modifying Conditions of Release entered. (Tape #FTR.) (vup) (Entered: 06/11/2021)

06/11/2021
#63 ORDER MODIFYING EXISTING CONDITIONS OF RELEASE as to Turliscea Turner. Signed by Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff on 06/11/2021. (Christoff, Annie) (Entered: 06/11/2021)
____________
End of docket at 7/5/21

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