Flathead District Judge Ted Lympus sentenced a chronic drunk driver to 20 years in prison Thursday. "If I could put him away until the end of time, I think I'd do it," Lympus said of Randy Turner.
Turner, 47, pleaded guilty in November to felony DUI. After three DUIs, the crime becomes a felony.
Turner has at least nine convictions and probably has been charged with DUI even more, according to his lawyer, Glen Neier.
One of the convictions came after Turner slammed his truck into a young woman's vehicle in 1984, leaving her permanently disabled.
Probation and parole officer Paul Parrish probed the numbers a little harder.
He said Turner has 12 prior DUIs, 11 counts of driving without a valid license, was referred to treatment five times and won't attend Alcoholics Anonymous at all.
The maximum sentence for felony DUI is 13 months. Prosecuting County Attorney Ed Corrigan asked that Turner be designated a persistent felony offender, which adds five to 100 years to a sentence.
Be careful out there tonight, folks. Not enough of these guys are locked up yet!
Flathead District Judge Ted Lympus sentenced a chronic drunk driver to 20 years in prison Thursday. "If I could put him away until the end of time, I think I'd do it," Lympus said of Randy Turner.Ted Kennedy.
I hear you on this. Twenty some years ago I bicycled from Montana to Northern California, and the first day of my ride took me from Kalispell to just south of Flathead Lake. The next day was riding on Highway 93 south to Missoula. Much of that is through or very near the Flathead Indian Reservation and the evidence of drunk driving was everywhere. As a bicyclist you see the margin of the road - and on this ride the shoulder of 93 was littered with broken glass (shattered headlamps, beer bottles) and market with skid marks veering into the ditch. A commonly seen bumper sticker read "Pray for me, I drive (highway) 93!".
Here is a local man that has same problem for a long time.
Redmon seeking release
By KEN de la BASTIDE
For a second time in three years, Indiana’s most notorious drunken driver, Virldeen Redmon, is seeking medical clemency to secure an early release from prison.
Redmon, 75, 1411 Home Ave., Anderson, filed an application for medical clemency with the Indiana Parole Board seeking his release from the Plainfield Correctional Facility.
Redmon was sentenced to 17 years in prison by Madison Superior Court 3 Judge Thomas Newman Jr. in 2003 for driving with a lifetime forfeiture of his license and driving while intoxicated.
The Indiana Parole Board will conduct a hearing Friday and then make a non-binding recommendation to either grant or deny the clemency request to the governor’s office. The governor then will make the final decision, which could take up to four months.
During earlier court appearances in Madison County, Redmon pushed an oxygen tank in front of him with tubing extending to his nose.
Redmon’s clemency application indicates that he is dependent on oxygen and has had numerous hospital and emergency room visits during his one year in prison.
Evelyn Ridley-Turner, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Corrections, is making no recommendation on Redmon’s request for clemency.
Judge Newman and Prosecutor Rodney Cummings have both sent letters to the Indiana Parole Board opposing Redmon’s request for medical clemency.
“It is with amusement and interest that I respond to Mr. Redmon’s request for medical clemency,” wrote Newman. “If you are intending to seriously consider his medical clemency request, you should first check his previous record, his pre-sentence reports, his prior successful attempt to be released from the Department of Corrections from Madison County Circuit Court, in which, I understand, he used the same basis for consideration — health.”
Newman added that he sent Redmon to prison for as long as possible because he deserves to be in prison for the maximum sentence he received.
“If you release him you will be offending the good citizens of this community who do not deserve to have Mr. Redmon’s habit of driving while intoxicating putting us all in peril,” Newman wrote.
Cummings noted in his letter that Redmon is the “world record holder” for alcohol-related arrests and that county records show nearly 400 arrests, including 37 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
He wrote that in 1991 Redmon appeared before Circuit Court Judge Fredrick Spencer in a wheelchair and required oxygen to breathe, but his two arrests following his release there was neither a wheelchair nor oxygen present.
“Mr. Redmon has only been incarcerated for a short period of time,” Cummings wrote. “The trial judge and citizens of our county understand the threat Mr. Redmon represents and that explains the 17-year sentence handed down to a man in his 70s. If you circumvent their judgment, the responsibility of anyone he kills will be yours.”
Redmon was released from prison in 2001 by Spencer after a doctor testified that Redmon was in poor health. Redmon was sentenced in 1996 to nine and a half years in prison for driving under a lifetime suspension and public intoxication.
Reader Comments
why??? (12/12/2004)
why one of my comments but not the other? and why not the comment on the guarian angels page either??? i wasnt rude just telling the truth
Dear SHAWN A (12/11/2004)
i fully AGREE with you about this is just as much THEIR fault as it is his, maybe your right maybe we need new judges but still he should die in prision just the way it is bud
To Shawn A and Thomas. (12/11/2004)
Shawn A, the reason the police haven't "done anything" to keep this man from drinking alcohol is simple. It's not illegal to consume alcohol. Even if you want to do it all day, every day, the police can't arrest you for that. But when you get behind of a 2-ton moving piece of machinery while you're under the influence, THEN it becomes a matter for the police. This is where Mr. Redmon is at fault. This man should, and most likely will, remain behind bars where he belongs for the rest of his life. Is he an alcoholic? I'd say with certainty yes. But everyone knows the only way an alcoholic can get help is if he admits he has a problem and asks for that help. Seem obvious to me that he doesn't want help to overcome his addiction. He only wants sympathy from the public. And Thomas...you must have been doing something stupid to get arrested. Maybe it wasn't alcohol related, but it was probably stupid nonetheless. The police won't arrest you for doing absolutely nothing. Sounds like you have a personal problem with the APD.
Anderson Woman (12/11/2004)
My Father also use to be one of Virlden's driking buddies and thinks his arrest record is funny being the alcholic he is. What no one seems to understand is that this man is sick, he has a disease, I'm not saying that he deserves to be released expically knowing his record, but he is sick and if any of you know any alcholic you know how they can manulipate anyone no matter who it is or their position to get what ever it is they want. I do believe there is still hope for this man to get well and quit drinking but with his record jail is the best place for him to dry out for at least a few years.
Herb Huston (12/10/2004)
I have a brother that died 4 yrs ago quietly in his car from a heart attack. I was and still am thankful for that because his severe alcohol abuse was likely to take the lives of innocent people in a car crash. I know if Mr. Redmon is allowed to go free he will likely drink and drive again. We pay our judges to make these decisions and they must make the choice. My message to them is to be prepared for the media onslaught when this becomes fact. What ever happened to three strikes your out?
Jaye 06 (12/10/2004)
I also want to say that you hear about so many people driving under the influence and having a wreck and killing someone and ALCOHOL is LEGAL. But the prisons are backed up with drug related charges!! You never hear about drugs killing people, unless they abuse! Of course we all know its because POT is NOT TAXABLE. Im NOT a POT smoker but it makes me livid on how many years these drug dealers get compared to murderers, molesters, Reckless homocide!!! I could go on forever! My cousin was killed in 1999 for drinking and driving, she was my best friend. I think alcohol should be illegal!
Thomas Anderson, IN (12/10/2004)
I live in Anderson and I have been arrested for a PI and didn't drink a drop of alcohol and I couldn't sue the dumbass police officer for that and I spent money for a crooked attorney not mentioning names but Steve Smith's office oops did I meantion someones name here oh well he knows who I am I told him I'd tell eveyone how crooked he really is and to the Police Officer falsely arresting me you're lucky you still have a Job period! I told him as he laughed and said well I'm going home tonight and your going to Jail, I stated I'm going to Jail but I'll be out within an hour and I'll sue you and the city for false arrest, I blew 0.00 on a breathe test yet I couldn't sue and now everyone wants to hurry and blame this man for his addiction and MADD why not get real madd and get rid of the sorce because alcohol kills in more than one way so why not get rid of alcohol period and not have to worry about redmon or any other alcohol related deaths accidents or any other problems that being an alcoholic brings there's many redmons out there they've just gotten lucky and slipped through yet our courts are backed up the funneral homes are getting backed up because of alcohol but I forgot no one would be banking off it if it wasn't legal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
????? (12/10/2004)
YOUR TELLING ME THIS GUY THINKS WE SHOULD HAVE SYMPATHY ON HIS ILLNESS. WELL WE DO AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHY HE'S LOCKED UP. THERE SHOULD BE NO TOLERANCE FOR ANYONE WHO'S AN ALCOHOLIC AND ENDANGERS THE LIVE'S OF OTHERS. LET HIM DIE WHERE HE'S AT. NOTE TO THE COURTS: IF YOU DID YOUR JOB IN THE FIRST PLACE WE WOULDN'T EVEN BE READING ABOUT THIS RIGHT NOW. THIS MAN IS OBVIOUSLY SICK AND YOU SHOULD HAVE LOCKED HIM UP FOR LIFE A LONG TIME AGO. SHAME ON THE JUDGE WHO LET HIM OUT OF JAIL...REPEATEDLY.
WNC (12/9/2004)
I am confused here. What everyone is saying is that when you are in your 70's you are beyond the point of getting help for an addiction. I am sorry but I have seen many people older than him get help and enjoy the rest of their life.
SHAWN A. (12/9/2004)
THIS IS A COMMENT FROM SOMEONE THAT KNOWS VIRLDEEN AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COURTS.I THINK THE COURTS ARE JUST AS RESPOSIBLE FOR VIRLDEEN AS HE IS FOR HIS OWN ACTIONS.THE PEOPLE OF ANDERSON SAY HE SHOULD DIE IN PRISON FOR BEING ARRESTED SO MANY TIMES.....HES BEEN ARRESTED MORE TIMES THEN ANYONE FOR ALCOHOL RELATED ARREST.UNTIL HIS CASES BECAME PUBLIC,NEWS,NEWSPAPER,ECT....VIRLDEEN COULD PAY HIS WAY OUTTA TROUBLE...I WANNA NO WHEN THE JUDGES ARE GOING TO TAKE THEIR RESPONSIBLILTY FOR LETTING VIRLDEEN GET AWAY WITH THIS ALL OF HIS LIFE.JUDGE THOMAS NEWMAN SAID VIRLDEEN SHOULD DIE IN PRISON.BUT IF VIRLDEENS CASE WASNT IN THE NEWS AND THE PAPER HE WOULD LET HIM OUT AGAIN JUST AS HE HAS ALL OF HIS LIFE.I FEEL THE LEGAL SYSTEM HAS CREATED VIRLDEEN REDMON,BY LETTING HIM LOOSE ALL OF THESE YEARS.NOW ITS PUBLIC AND EVERYONE IS SCARED OF LOOSING THEIR JOB WHEN THE PUBLIC SEE`S THAT THEY LET HIM OUT.NOW VIRLDEEN IS SICK AND EVERYTING ABOUT VIRLDEENS CASE IS IN THE PUBLIC EYE SO NEWMAN,CUMMINGS IS COVERING THEIR TRACKS BYE SAYING HE SHOULD DIE IN PRISON.I THINK IT SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC ABOUT NEWMAN,SPENCER AND ALL INVOLVED WHY THEY LET HIM OUT ALL THIS TIME.THEN LET THE PUBLIC DECIDE WHO ELSE SHOULD BE PUNISHED AT ELECTION TIME...THEN WE WILL SEE WHO LOOSES THEIR JOB.VIRLDEEN DIDNT EVEN GET CAUGHT DRIVING THIS TIME.HE WAS CAUGHT IN THE CAR WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND CHARGED WITH DWI.IM NOT SAYING NOTHING SHOULD HAPPEND TO VIRLDEEN,BUT I THINK HIS RECENT AND PAST RECORDS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND ALL PARTIES DECISIONS TO LOCK HIM UP OR RELEASE HIM SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC SO WE CAN MAKE OUR OWN DECISIONS AT ELECTION TIME......THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. SHAWN A....
Lighter Side (12/9/2004)
My Dad used to drink with Virldeen years ago. Dad would roll over in his grave if he knew about the infamous record! I don't think he's going to get another chance this time. He needs to realize that he is being protected from the horrible guilt he would have if he seriously injured or killed someone. Make your peace with people you have hurt and enjoy the time you can spend with your loved ones.
REDNECK WOMEN (12/9/2004)
MADD,I'm with you all the way. I still have kids and gr-kids and great gr-kids in Anderson, I worry enough about them without having Redmon on the streets again.I have heard about him for years and couldn't figure out how he got away with so much.
Rita (12/9/2004)
DANGER! DANGER! THROW AWAY THE KEY!
AGREE with Former APD (12/9/2004)
Medical shmedical... Keep him locked up. It's really funny that he holds the record for most arrests for drunk driving... UNTIL IT HAPPENS TO YOUR FAMILY!!! Keep him in, he should be thankful that WE are taking care of his needs there.
Anderson Citizen (12/9/2004)
Take these comments to the board and allow our concerns to be heard. Of course he is in poor health, but that doesn't excuse his actions or his intended actions. He has been given ample opportunities to dry out and stay clean,however, he continues to drink and drive. We do not need another drunk driver in our county. As far as the APD officers response to Redman, I'm sure it gets frustrating as an officer to repeatedly arrest a person for the same crime over and over again. Allow our officiers to do their jobs, keep this guy off the streets. Also his comment about "Christian", even God gives people over to a reprobate mind. Meaning they will continuelly do what they want without any precautions toward anyone. KEEP HIM IN JAIL FOR OUR SAFETY AND HIS OWN SAFETY!!!!
teresa e wells (12/9/2004)
if you all let this old man out of prison, then justice has FAILED., old man i suggest you give it up, cause there is nobody in their right mind gonna take that kind of a chance on turning you loose to society.i live in ohio now but i was born and raised in anderson in, and this will always be MY home as well as my two boys, anderson residents are like my family and they or anyone else for that matter dont deserve to be put in the imminent danger they all face if virldeen is released back out to society..
Amazed (12/9/2004)
If our justice system worked the way it should, this man would have been forced to rot in prison long before he was able to rack up 400 arrests! It never ceases to amaze me that the worst offenders always find their way back out onto the streets to commit the same crimes over and over again. Keep them locked up!
(12/9/2004)
He did this to himself....quit asking for special priviledges. Makes me sick!
KRW (12/9/2004)
I agree with Judge Newman on this one. Redmon knew the consequences of his actions and continually broke the law.
(12/9/2004)
Just because he is sick, does not mean he is not going to drink and drive again. I hope he is not released. It might be your family on the road that he hits. Laws are laws.
Daria (12/9/2004)
Let him out and he will just continue to drink and drive!!!
??????? (12/9/2004)
Who did he pay to get out the other times-----illness has been used since day one----Is everyone blind to that fact!!!!!
shocked at his request (12/9/2004)
I AGREE WITH MADD, KEEP HIM BEHIND BARS SO ME, YOU, AND YOUR CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE SAFE, HE HAS ALREADY PROVEN HE WILL DRIVE, LET HIM ROT IN THERE.
Jaye06 (12/9/2004)
Yeah he needs to stay locked up. He has been a repeated offender to many times. An oxygen tank is just an excuss. Yeah he has medical problems but if he is that concerned then he shouldn't be drinking. Its sad when you go to the Ramada in Anderson and see him sitting with old men drinking and not having an oxygen tank! They where all sitting there watching all the people dance! So its up to you Parole Board-COME ON VALERIE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU REALLY FEEL ABOUT THIS ONE!!!
Former APD (12/9/2004)
Sorry, I know this won't sound Christian, but Redmon needs to die in prison. I chased and fought him 30+ years ago for drunk driving, and general intoxication. He'd get out and do it again and again. He's hurt more cops and other good folks than I can count. God may forgive him, but we need to remember what he is and keep him locked up until his pickled carcass gives up the ghost.
Concerned citizen (12/9/2004)
Let him out of prison so he can once again operate a vehicle while intoxicated and maybe this time he will kill one or your loved ones or a friend.
Brenda (12/9/2004)
This man has made his bed. Let him sleep in it.
Brian of Frankton (12/9/2004)
This man has more chances than a First time offender. hes proven in the, past that you cant believe a thing that rolls offs his tonue even if it came noterized. hes a threat to society,and deserves to rot in jail. at least hes were he cant kill anyone. dont get me wrong I feel sorry for his family. but id feel a heck alot worst for some poor victims family,first. I know what its like to lose someone to a drunk driver, I had to pay for my sister inlaw funeral,and deal with the aftermath after it. I allso had a good friend go to jail for killing a young woman and mother of two,from drinking and driving. although hes my friend I dont feel sorry for him as far as going to prison,for it. we all have to make choices in life. but its not the victims choice to be killed or mamed from a drunk driver.but its like the old saying goes. if your going to due the crime you got to do the time.
Heaven Forbid! (12/9/2004)
I do not want to risk being killed by a DRUNK DRIVER who isnt using his wheelchair or oxygen tanks. Its obvious he will continue to drink and drive despite poor health. Prison is the best place for him.
MADD (12/8/2004)
If they release that old coot it is time to release everyone in prison for any alcohol related offense. No sense in us all fighting for stiffer laws if our judges will not uphold them. Keep that old drunkard locked up for Gods sake people!