A technicality in the sentencing of Michael Lynn Turner, who was convicted of rape by a Jones County jury in June, brought him back before Superior Court Chief Judge William Prior last week for resentencing.

Turner, 42, was sentenced to 30 years to life June 30, but the sentence was not accepted by the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Turner’s attorney Floyd Buford was in the courtroom with Turner Oct. 17 and asked Prior to reduce the defendant’s sentence to 25 years.

“As I read the sentence, I understand your intention was for him to serve 30 years,” he said.

Prosecutor Keagan Goodrich gave a brief statement that the DOC would not receive Turner until the sentence was written as they wanted it.

Prior did not appear interested in reducing Turner’s sentence.

“My intention was to sentence him to life in prison, and I resentence him to life imprisonment,” he said.

Goodrich said the DOC’s reason for asking for the resentencing was that it was unclear to them as to when the parole board should make a decision about Turner’s release.

“The resentencing made no difference as far as when he can be released. By law he has to serve 30 years door to door before he is eligible for parole,” she said.

Goodrich said that same statute is in force whether the sentence is for life in prison or 30 years to life. She said, after the 30 years is served, it is up to the parole board to release him early or keep him in prison until he dies .

Turner was arrested June 19, 2008, and charged with the rape of a 16-year-old girl who was spending the night with his daughter and with possession of marijuana. He was never released from jail after his arrest.

During the four-day trial, it was brought out that the rape victim had been 16 for 10 days when the rape occurred. She was invited to spend the night with two friends and was given alcohol and marijuana provided by Turner, who, before the night was over, took advantage of her debilitated state and raped her.

The victim testified as did the two friends. The victim’s best friend was the catalyst for the story of the rape being told, and she also testified to the events.

Turner was the sole witness for the defense and he admitted providing the alcohol but alleged that the sex with the victim was consensual.