Broward church volunteer admits he tried to recruit 14-year-old parishioner for sex

FLORIDA
Sun Sentinel

Paula McMahon

A 71-year-old Broward County church volunteer who promised a 14-year-old parishioner his BMW and inheritance if she would have sex with him pleaded guilty Monday to a federal sex charge.

Timothy Taffe, of Fort Lauderdale, admitted he aggressively pursued the minor after meeting her at game night at St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church in Plantation in July. He pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutors said they will recommend that Taffe, who has been jailed since he was arrested in October after showing up for what he thought was a sex date with the girl, should serve 10 years in federal prison. Taffe also will have to register as a sex offender.

Taffe, who used a wheelchair in court Monday, admitted he sent the girl emails asking her “to be his secret friend, soliciting her to meet him in private, and offering her alcohol.” He also took photographs of her at church events, he admitted.

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