Sex offender treatment center patient loses appeal

SEATTLE — An 18-year legal battle over the Special Commitment Center for sexual predators on McNeil Island, where Kevin Coe lives, has come to an end. On Monday the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal by Richard G. Turay. The program began in 1990 for sexual offenders who are committed indefinitely by a jury for treatment after serving their prison terms. In 1991 Turay filed a federal lawsuit claiming that treatment was inadequate and that his civil rights were violated. A jury agreed, and the state was ordered to improve the program or face about $12 million in fines. A judge ruled in March 2007 that the program had come within compliance, and Turay’s appeal was rejected by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Superintendent Kelly Cunningham says efforts to improve the program will continue.