Brock Turner released from jail as calls for judge's recall continue

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ByDavid Louie KGO logo
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Brock Turner released from jail as calls for judge's recall continue
Brock Turner's release from jail is only the beginning of efforts to try to prevent what critics consider a lenient sentence for rape in the future.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The Brock Turner case has left a trail of unhappy people -- a young man who must register as a sex offender for life, a judge vilified and targeted for recall because of the sentence he handed down, and advocates for victims of sexual assault victims who worry that future victims have lost faith in the judicial process.

RELATED: Victim writes letter to Brock Turner

The time was 6:09 a.m. when Brock Turner had to make his exit from the county jail in front of reporters, cameras, and lights until he reached an SUV waiting for him at the curb. He ignored questions the entire time.

Turner was driven to a Mountain View hotel where he disappeared, never to be spotted again.

PHOTOS: Inside look at jail cell where Brock Turner served 3-month sentence

ABC7 News got an inside look at the Santa Clara Co. Jail cell where convicted sex offender Brock Turned served his 3-month sentence on Friday, September 2, 2016 in San Jose, Calif.
KGO-TV

ABC7 News was the first Bay Area station to get a look at the austere, six-man cell where Turner was locked up at the main jail. He and his cellmates were kept separate from other inmates. Their crimes make them potential targets for attacks.

"You know, rapists (and) child molesters are some of the crimes where we keep people separate and they're in protective status," said Sheriff Laurie Smith.

FULL VIDEO: Santa Clara Co. sheriff discusses Brock Turner's time in jail, release

Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith answered questions about Brock Turner's time in jail and his release on Friday.

Turner's six month sentence and release after three months is reason for critics to continue their effort to recall Judge Aaron Persky.

"Even if the police believe you, even if the prosecutors believe you, even if against all odds the jurors believe you, at the end of the day that can all be undermined by a judge like Aaron Persky, whose objectivity is clouded by rape culture," said rape victim Kamilah Willingham.

The rally featured a number of elected officials.

"I call on not only Judge Persky to resign, but for his colleagues on the bench to stand up for integrity that they know is right and not hide behind a claim of judicial independence," said Palo Alto Mayor Pat ZBurt.

A sole Persky supporter, Steve White, refused to back down when challenged.

"He has to stay because they want him to go, in my view," he said. "However, it is important to point out, he did what the probation officer suggested."

Click here for full coverage on the Brock Turner case.