Sentencing is set for Jan. 8, according to a news release issued today by the office of Ginger Bowden Madden, state attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Taylor faces up to life in prison and will be designated a sexual predator and be required to register for life.
A jury heard evidence that on Dec. 6, 2022, Taylor, a longtime family friend, sexually molested the then-13-year-old victim while a guest in the family’s home. Also, on Dec. 12 of that year, Taylor was taking the victim back to her residence but instead stopped at a house that he knew was unoccupied, went over the fence, in a side window and got the victim to come inside to “hang out,” officials from Madden’s office said in the news release.
While in the house, Taylor sexually battered the victim, officials said. They said Taylor’s criminal acts were reported by a friend’s family after the victim disclosed to her friend.
Investigators were able to corroborate the victim’s statements through digital evidence and evidence found at the crime scene. The victim was also seen at the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center for a forensic interview.
The investigation was conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Emerald Coast Childrens’ Advocacy Center.
Assistant State Attorney Christine Bosau prosecuted this case on behalf of Madden.
