LACROSSE, Wis. – The LaCrosse YMCA has suspended prominent community leader Keonte Turner from his Y job until a case about soliciting a prostitute is resolved. Turner was arrested May 10, but the arrest was covered up at the time. The Y issued a statement: “As soon as we learned of the investigation relating to Mr. Turner, he was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.” The Y emphasized that there has been no allegation of misconduct or inappropriate activity on Y property. The Y said that pre-employment checks conducted gave no cause for concern. Turner is a former School Board member, a former City Council candidate, a member f the County Criminal Justice Management Council, and has a high profile as a community activist. About his Y job, the organization’s statement said there have been no disciplinary issues. Suddenly in a defensive posture about its relationship with Turner, the Y said it has protocols in place for the safety of all Y people:
> National sex offender registry screenings.
> State and county criminal record checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
> Reference checks for all applicants.