BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: This is a file photo from 2021 for Jessica Taylor when she was booked into the Elmore County Jail for child abuse.
Jessica Taylor, a former Elmore County teacher, pleaded guilty to child abuse this morning, while a similar charge against her husband Daniel Taylor has been dropped.
Back in January of 2021, the Millbrook couple both faced accusations of child abuse relating to their daughter, who officials said did not have a medical condition, despite the fact thousands of dollars were donated by friends and area residents to help with the child’s “medical treatments” and other expenses.
Jessica Taylor formerly taught at the Child Development Center of Millbrook. Daniel Taylor is a former assistant principal for Coosada Elementary, and today is employed with Elmore Schools in another capacity.
This morning in Elmore County, Jessica Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of felony child abuse as part of a plea agreement with the Elmore County District Attorney’s Office. This is a Class C felony with possible punishment from one year and a day to 10 years. Her sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 17.
The couple was originally indicted on one count each by an Elmore County Grand Jury for aggravated child abuse of their biological child. For months, friends, area residents and coworkers were told the daughter was suffering from a serious illness. However, medical authorities would later come forward questioning that, and in a lengthy investigation it was revealed that the child did not actually have any diagnosable illness.
Today she has been adopted and no longer lives in this area. Her new family has stayed in touch with the EAN, and reports she is healthy, vibrant, active and beautiful. They find great comfort in knowing neither Jessica or Daniel will be allowed to ever reach out to her, as part of the plea agreement today.
Both Jessica and Daniel Taylor had their parental rights terminated and are not allowed to make contact with their biological daughter.
As for the multiple fundraisers and private donations made to the couple while many believed the daughter was ill, no charges were ever filed for Jessica or Daniel. This is because no one ever came forward to file a complaint, even after it was alleged the illness was faked.
In speaking to EAN anonymously, some told us they not only gave money, but had donated vacation time so Jessica could stay home with her “sick” child. Many said they were angry or embarrassed, but did not wish to pursue charges.
In an earlier article on this matter, now District Attorney C.J. Robinson said “We believe this abuse occurred over a period of years. From what we can gather, there are no medical records available that show the child ever had cancer. We are just glad that as of now the child is safe. Our hope is we can prevent this from ever happening again.”
It is important to note that these charges do not involve other school children in the Elmore County Public School system, and relate only to the couple’s biological child. It is not believed any other children were involved in any abuse.
The official press release from District Attorney CJ Robinson is below.
In January 2021, Millbrook Police Department presented investigative evidence, received from the Elmore County Department of Human Resources, to an Elmore County Grand Jury with regard to accusations of child abuse on the part of Jessica Taylor and her husband, Daniel Taylor.
The Taylors’ child had been subjected to numerous doctor’s appointments and medical procedures over several years without actually suffering from any diagnosable medical issue. And there is no medical evidence to reflect the child ever had any serious illness.
The Elmore County Grand Jury indicted Jessica and Daniel Taylor each for one count of Aggravated Child Abuse in January 2021.
This case did not include an act of physical abuse as is typically seen with child abuse cases, but the actions on the part of Jessica Taylor are certainly considered willful maltreatment.
Jessica Taylor has entered a plea of guilt for Felony Child Abuse which is a Class C felony with punishment ranging from a year and a day to 10 years. As a part of the plea agreement, the Taylors will not be allowed any contact with the child.
The Office of the District Attorney has dismissed the charge against Daniel Taylor as there is little evidence to reflect this knowledge and/or participation in the willful neglect of this child after Jessica Taylor’s admission of guilt.
