Former Educators Convicted of Sexual Crimes Against Minors

Samuel Lamar Taylor, a former music teacher and preacher, has been convicted of one count of sexual battery and one count of gratification of lust. The conviction comes after an 11-year-old autistic child disclosed sexual abuse by Taylor, who was the child's legal guardian at the time. Another victim also came forward, alleging abuse by Taylor in the 1990s when he worked as a counselor at the YMCA. Taylor, who served as a music teacher for over 25 years and was a minister at various churches, faces a potential life sentence for sexual battery and a maximum of 15 years for gratification of lust.