David Turpin who, together with his wife, abused their children for decades and shackled them to beds has pleaded not guilty to 8 charges of perjury for lying on official forms. At the same time, his wife pleaded not guilty to 3 charges of false imprisonment and 1 charge of assault.
According to reports, Turpin claimed his children were attending a private day school and receiving a full-time education. The children weren’t actually attending school, and were instead imprisoned in the home where they were allowed to do little besides write in journals.
Perjury is covered under California Penal Code 118 PC and is described as giving false information when:
- Testifying in court
- Being deposed
- In a signed affidavit, certificate or declaration
- In a DL 44 driver’s license application at the DMV
Perjury under PC 118 is always a felony and the possible penalties include felony probation with up to 1 year in county jail or 2 to 4 years in county jail.
Both Turpin and his wife were previously arrested after one of their daughters escaped in January and called 911. Both have previously pleaded not guilty to several felony charges including abuse and torture. They’re currently being held in lieu of $12 million dollars bail.
