Tim Turnham faces the judge

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: May 27, 2009

Opelika-Auburn News staff writer Joe McAdory has a story in tomorrow’s paper about Auburn businessman Tim Turnham’s sentencing before a federal court judge.

But ... it’s online tonight:

Auburn businessman Tim Turnham pleaded guilty two years ago to obstruction of justice as part of a sweeping corruption scandal involving former Alabama two-year college chancellor Roy Johnson of Opelika.

Wednesday, a federal court judge in Birmingham sentenced Turnham, 58, to two years probation and fined the Alabama Contract Sales Inc. executive $1,000, according to a report by The Birmingham News.

Turnham’s case was part of a scandal that led to numerous charges against leaders within the state’s two-year college system. Johnson is still awaiting sentencing ...

Turnham’s business allegedly doctored invoices for work and furnishings at Johnson’s Opelika home. At the time, Johnson was president of Southern Union State Community College.

Turnham admitted to investigators that his business overcharged colleges, ultimately putting thousands of dollars in the pockets of Johnson.

Tim Turnham is the brother of Alabama Democratic Party chairman Joe Turnham.

I’m glad to hear that Turnham has been cooperating with investigators. That is an important part of demonstrating true remorse for one’s illegal activities.

I’m similarly glad to hear that he has made restitution of nearly $1 million. There is no place for those who would cheat the taxpayers of this state, especially at a time when lawmakers are struggling to adequately meet their obligations, including its PACT promises.

I want to believe that Tim Turnham is doing what he can to make things right, and I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he’s truly sorry for what he did, and not just that he got caught.

Here’s hoping that his cooperation with federal authorities will expose the other cheats and thieves that still remain out there.