Former Youth Minister Sentenced for Endangering Welfare of Child

By Glenn Griffith
Saratogian
October 8, 2014

http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20141008/former-youth-minister-sentenced-for-endangering-welfare-of-child

A former youth minister at Corpus Christi Church was given a $1,000 fine and had a five-year order of protection imposed on him in an appearance Wednesday before Town Justice James Hughes in Clifton Park Town Court.

The Wednesday sentencing was the result of Rev. James Michael Taylor’s guilty plea in August to one count of endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor.

In addition to the fine and the order of protection, he was assessed a $205 court surcharge and required to give a DNA sample.

Taylor was arrested in April and charged with having unforced contact with a 15-year-old girl from Clifton Park while serving in his position with the church.

In court Wednesday, Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Buckley asked for a five-year order of protection for the girl and her family. Buckley said the girl’s mother is satisfied that Taylor has pleaded guilty and she can now help her daughter deal with what has taken place.

Referring to Taylor’s former role as youth minister, Buckley said the position was one of trust and authority in the community and, “in that he has failed miserably.”

“I hope he understands his actions will have lasting impacts on a 15-year-old girl and that the defendant will recognize the gravity of his actions and have empathy and sympathy for the victim and its effects on the victim,” Buckley said.

Hughes called the case the most complicated and troubling case he has ever handled. He said county investigators had reviewed Taylor’s computer and cellphone and nothing new was found. In his remarks to Taylor, the judge also noted the defendant’s former position in the community, the impact of his actions on the victim, and the impact on the community.

“My outrage to the conduct to which you have pled guilty cannot describe the impact on the victim or her family,” Hughes said. “You, sir, have done more far-reaching damage to this woman and her family than can be imagined.”

When asked if he had anything to say to the judge, Taylor’s attorney Daniel Stewart answered and said he did not.

Shortly after the sentencing, a statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany said Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger had removed Taylor from the ministry as a result of his inappropriate conduct with a minor. It noted that the Albany Diocese has a police of zero tolerance for sexual abuse.

Saratoga County Acting District Attorney Karen Heggen said after the sentencing that no probation was requested because Hughes had spoken about the impact the case would have on the community and had added that it was highly unlikely he would impose probation. Hughes said at Taylor’s Aug. 8 appearance that he never considered a sentence that included jail time.

“I believe the judge feels with the order of protection and fine the interests of justice have been served,” Heggen said. “When someone pleads guilty to what they’re charged with, as happened here, we feel satisfied that the judge makes the ultimate decision.”

Heggen said the victim’s well-being is the most important concern in a case such as this one.

“The defendant was in a position of trust and violated that trust by his conduct towards this 15-year-old female,” she said. “By insisting to a plea to the charge, the defendant is held responsible for his conduct and the victim is protected.”

Taylor was a youth minister at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Clifton Park, when the activities occurred. He is said to have met the girl while serving as deacon and leader of the church youth ministry program.

The actions between the two are said to have been physical contact but not forced contact. Shared telephone calls, text messages, and inappropriate photos with the girl are also believed to have taken place. Heggen added in her remarks that the contact included kissing.

Taylor left the Clifton Park church and went on to become an associate pastor at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Niskayuna prior to his arrest. He was placed on administrative leave by Scharfenberger shortly after the bishop learned of the allegations.