Demoted general sues Utah National Guard, governor over firing
Former Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley retired as a lieutenant colonel after an Army investigation found he had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.
Jeff Schogol
Aug 21, 2025 2:22 PM EDT
Former Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley has sued the Utah National Guard and state officials, claiming he was wrongfully demoted three ranks and forced to retire. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Baker.
The former top general in the Utah National Guard is suing the state’s Governor, the guard, and other officials, claiming he was forced to retire after being demoted three ranks over an accusation he calls “patently false.”
The Army demoted Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley to lieutenant colonel when he retired this month, a service official confirmed this week, after an Army Inspector General investigation substantiated an allegation of an inappropriate relationship.
“He will retire as a Lieutenant Colonel (O-5/L TC), which was determined the last grade in which he honorably served,” Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith said at the time. “We consider this matter closed.”
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