United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Isabel, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Child Abuse.
Theodore Taylor, age 34, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 6, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years, up to life, of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between Jan. 1, 2013, and Aug. 31, 2016, Taylor knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor who had not yet attained the age of 12 years old. The Indictment further alleges that between Nov. 16, 2014, and Nov. 15, 2015, Taylor assaulted the same minor with a dangerous weapon, that is, a taser.
The charges are merely accusations and Taylor is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Taylor was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
