ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Fort Pierce City Commissioner James Taylor was arrested July 24 on felony charges after allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a teen girl, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
Taylor, 38, was jailed on charges including six counts each of transmission of material harmful to a minor by electronic equipment, transfer or display of obscenity to a minor, and harmful communication to a minor; four counts of lewd computer solicitation of a child; and two counts of solicitation of transmission of child pornography by electronic device or equipment, the sheriff’s office stated. All 24 counts are felonies.
“Obviously in this case he is a public official, but nobody is above the law, and this case is going to be handled with the utmost integrity and transparency and relentless follow up that we do here at the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Richard Del Toro said.
Sheriff’s officials reported the investigation started in August 2024 when police in Evanston, Illinois, got a report from the mother of a 13-year-old girl.
“The mother advised that her daughter, who was only 12 years old when the communications began, had been contacted by an adult male via Snapchat,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Over time, the conversations became sexually explicit, and the suspect allegedly sent multiple nude images to the minor.”
Investigators in Illinois traced the information to St. Lucie County, where sheriff’s investigators in May started a parallel investigation.
Sheriff’s officials executed search warrants at Taylor’s home and place of employment, identified as a local contractor.
“We are conducting a complete forensic review of digital devices recovered from the suspect’s residence and office,” Del Toro said.
Del Toro, with Detective Eric Wax beside him at a noon briefing, said there is no evidence to suggest Taylor and the girl met in person, though he said they would keep reviewing evidence.
“From what we understand right now, it’s just been the exchange of images at this time,” Del Toro said.
He said he believes it’s clear Taylor knew the person with whom he communicated was not an adult.
“There’s no doubt in my mind based on the images and the communications that were going on that he knew he was talking to a minor,” Del Toro said. “According to the detective, he said he was an adult, and during his interview today (July 24), he basically admitted he knew this girl was a much younger age, around 13 years of age.”
Del Toro said investigators “believe there’s a greater likelihood that there might be other victims based on some statements given and also we’re just getting tons of evidence that we have to go through.”
Taylor, elected in 2024, served almost 10 years on the St. Lucie County Planning & Zoning Commission, where he served as chair in 2021 and 2022, according to Taylor’s bio on the City of Fort Pierce website.
State Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, issued a statement strongly speaking out against the allegations, calling Taylor’s arrest “beyond sickening—a disgusting betrayal that chills the soul.”
“This predator, who used Snapchat to prey on a 12-year-old girl with vile, sexually explicit content, must face the harshest consequences under the law,” Overdorf stated. “Governor (Ron) DeSantis must suspend this monster immediately.”
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Michael Broderick said the circumstances are “very unfortunate.”
“It’s very unfortunate for the families involved. It’s very unfortunate for the city of Fort Pierce,” Broderick said. “We need to wait for the process to play itself out to find out all of the facts.”
Taylor, a fifth generation local resident, serves on a variety of boards, including as vice president and vice chair of the St. Lucie County Education Foundation, according to his bio and the foundation’s website.
Taylor, who is married, lives in White City “and cherishes the opportunity to work, live, and serve in the place he proudly calls home,” the bio states.
“He remains committed to representing the voices of Fort Pierce’s residents and ensuring the city continues to thrive for generations to come,” the bio states.
Taylor, a first term commissioner, defeated John Heaning during the general election.
Taylor’s arrest comes almost a year after the arrest of then Fort Pierce City Manager Nick Mimms on charges related to bid rigging and official misconduct.
Mimms, arrested in August 2024, worked for the city since 1998 in a variety of positions before becoming city manager. His case is continuing through the court system.
During his tenure on the commission, Taylor has at times been a decisive swing vote, including in the decision to hire an outsider, Richard Chess, as city manager, rather than elevating City Clerk Linda Cox.
The commission was split 2-2 on that decision, with Taylor eventually changing his vote from a third candidate to Chess. Taylor also led the successful push to oust former Fort Pierce Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney, with the search for her replacement still ongoing.
(This story was updated with more information, video and gallery.)
TCPalm staff writer Wicker Perlis contributed to this report
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: City Commissioner arrested after alleged inappropriate relationship with teen girl
Reporting by Will Greenlee, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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