Christian Man Sentenced for Sexual Relationship with Teen Girl

A former Roy Junior High School teacher's sexual relationship with a teenage girl at the school has landed him in prison and broken the hearts of the girl's parents.

The girl's father made an impassioned plea to send the man to prison for the harm he has done to the girl and their family.

Taylor, 46, was sentenced Wednesday to zero to five years on each of three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old. Second District Judge Ernie Jones ordered that the sentences run concurrently. Taylor previously pleaded guilty to the three counts and, as part of a plea bargain, three identical counts were dismissed.
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Prosecutors believe Taylor began "grooming" the girl, who he had known at the school but who was not a student of his, for sexual activity with e-mails, text messages and personal contact starting when she was 14. The relationship became sexual at 16.

Taylor's lawyer, Michael Edwards, said Taylor is deeply remorseful for the harm he has brought upon the girl, her family and his own family.

Edwards said Taylor has lost his career in education, earns far less in construction, is working hard to repair his relationship with his wife, children and church, and suffers the shame of his actions when he encounters former co-workers and students. Taylor also will be considered a felon and be on a sex offender registry for at least 13 years, Edwards said.