Man who ran from trial faces judge

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) - The man who ran from authorities during his sex abuse trial, Paul Turley, returned to Niagara County and faced his fate Friday morning. When News 4 asked him why he went on the run, he responded with “no comment.”

Niagara County Court Judge Sara Farkas explained to the 47 year old why his trial continued after he skipped town. Farkas said it went on because of the Parker Waiver which says if the defendant fails to appear without a valid excuse, the proceeding may go on.

In January, a jury found Turley guilty of molesting little girls from 1996 to 1998. On May 10th he could be sentenced to serve 39 years in prison. Turley is currently being held at the Niagara County Jail without bail. The prosecutor says the victims were relieved after learning that Turley was caught.

Niagara County ADA Cheryl Nichols said, “I think that they’re looking forward to having some closure with this. The fact that he’ll be here for sentencing and that they won’t still be looking for him means that at that date, they get the resolution they’ve been looking for.”

Turley’s defense attorney declined to speak on camera, but the prosecutor says Turley could face additional charges in the future. She also says Turley’s wife Diane, who was on the run with him, was likely released on her own recognizance because she just faces a misdemeanor charge of hindering prosecution.