(U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS)
The Virgin Islands Daily News [St Thomas, VI]
April 6, 2026
By Bibiana SnyderI
A St. Thomas pastor and youth leader who was arrested last February on sexual assault of a female minor is now facing federal charges in connection with transporting her for sexual activity.
U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper announced that Lawrence Turnbull, 65, of Estate Mandahl, was charged in connection with the alleged abuse of a minor he supervised through his role in the church.
Court documents allege Turnbull “transported the minor to different locations” on multiple occasions and “touched the minor inappropriately,” according to a statement released Friday by Sleeper’s office.
He faces charges of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, coercion and enticement, unlawful sexual contact and child abuse. Prosecutors said the most serious charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted.
No other details were available but a V.I. Police statement last year noted that Turnbull, whose age was listed at 63, was arrested on Feb. 28, 2025 by its Criminal Investigation Bureau, charging him with child abuse and unlawful sexual contact in the second degree, obscene internet contact with minor, harassment and disturbance of peace. His bail was set at $60,000.
According to that statement “a minor reported to law enforcement that over the past six years, her pastor Mr. Turnbull, fostered a relationship with her, presenting himself as a mentor and father figure however Mr. Turnbull’s intentions were not genuine. He exploited her trust by engaging in inappropriate physical contact with her, despite her attempts to avoid him.”
The statement also noted that “the minor provided evidence where Turnbull acknowledged his involvement in unwelcome sexual contact, indicating that he continued to pursue her even after she expressed her disinterest.”
Sleeper said that the case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and VIPD. The prosecutor in the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Officials emphasized that the charges stem from an information, which is “merely an allegation,” and that Turnbull is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court, according to the statement.