Published: July 07, 2009 04:30 pm      

20-YEAR SENTENCE IN KIDNAP, TORTURE CASE

Martha Irene Turner, arrested in 2007 in connection with the kidnapping and brutal confinement of a family member, has accepted the terms of a plea bargain and will serve 20 years in prison.

In November 2007, Turner and three other family members of a 27-year-old Hamilton County woman were arrested and charged with kidnapping and aggravated battery with great bodily harm after what appeared to be years of violent mistreatment of the woman.

Turner, 48, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for kidnapping and 15 years for aggravated battery by Circuit Judge Greg Parker on July 1. The sentences will run concurrently and she will be given credit for time served in the Hamilton County Jail.

Last month, 24-year-old Jessica Lynn Turner was sentenced to serve five years in prison, followed by 15 years probation for her role in the crime.

A juvenile has already served time with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Still facing charges in connection with the crime is 44-year-old Johnny Dale Nichols, who remains in custody.