[1][2] Turner was caught in the FBI investigation of Kentucky horse racing industry called Operation Boptrot.
[3] Prior to entering politics, Richard Turner studied at Tompkinsville High School where upon graduating then served and enlisted in the as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War as an instructor.
Upon honorably completing his Military service he enrolled at Western Kentucky University in 1958-1962 where he majored in history.
Turner was elected to the House of Representatives in 1976, succeeding Carl Bowles as a representor of the state of Kentucky.
After being succeeded by Buel Guy he later started work at the Modern Woodmen of America is doing so currently along with managing and tending to his farmland.