Crime

St. Thomas Pastor Faces 10 Years to Life on Charges Including Minor Transport, Coercion and Unlawful Sexual Contact

A St. Thomas pastor and youth leader is facing federal and local charges in a case alleging that he transported a minor to different locations for unlawful sexual contact over a period spanning from 2023 into 2025, according to a charging information that lays out multiple alleged incidents, including trips from church to Lindquist Beach and from school to church. United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced that Lawrence Turnbull, 65, of Estate Mandahl, was arrested on April 1, 2026, on criminal charges related to his alleged transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Turnbull was the minor’s pastor and youth leader and, on multiple occasions, transported the minor to different locations and touched the minor inappropriately. The information filed in District Court charges Turnbull with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, coercion and enticement, unlawful sexual contact, an...