CPS Special-Ed Teacher Dealt Ammunition & Gun Accessories, Feds Charge
By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 30, 2017 10:04PM
A Chicago Public Schools special education teacher has been charged with federal firearms offenses after he allegedly helped a juvenile who was in his care deal ammunition and gun accessories on the South Side, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and reports.
According to a criminal complaint, Brent Turpin, 53, allegedly supplied a convicted felon—who was cooperating with the feds on a sting—with an extended handgun magazine, a laser sight and two boxes of ammunition. The complaint identifies Turpin as a special-ed teacher who works at an elementary school in Englewood, the Tribune reports.
Turpin was arrested on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He faces one count of conspiracy to dispose of a firearm and ammunition to a known felon, and one count of disposing of ammunition to a known felon.
According to the Department of Justice, the criminal complaint also details how Turpin allegedly allegedly coached the informant on what to do and say at a gun show in Indiana earlier in the summer.
In addition to the disposal of the ammunition and materials, the complaint also describes Turpin’s efforts to secure a firearm for the informant at an Indiana gun show. Prosecutors allege that Turpin told the informant how to behave: "If they ask you if you’re from Indiana, say yes," and, "If they say where [are] you from, say like, say South Bend or something, or Indianapolis," he allegedly said. That particular trip didn't result in a purchase because Turpin wouldn't show an ID to a gun dealer, the complaint states, according to the DOJ.
The complaint reportedly states that the informant is friends with a juvenile who is under Turpin's care, and that the juvenile was present with them at the gun show.
Turpin was scheduled to appear at a detention hearing at 3 p.m. today. He faces up to 15 years in prison, as one charge carries a five-year maximum and the other carries a ten-year max.
Recovered ammunition / Department of Justice