Former Richland Music Teacher and Preacher Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sex Crimes
Rankin, MS – Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Samuel Lamar Taylor, 52, to life without parole for one count of sexual battery and 15 years in prison for one count of gratification of lust. Taylor was found guilty of both charges on September 20, 2023. Both sentences will be served day-for-day without the possibility of parole or early release.
Taylor served as a music teacher for over 25 years at schools across Mississippi, retiring from Richland Upper Elementary School in 2020. Taylor was also a minister at several churches throughout Rankin County, dating back to the 1980s.
On August 23, 2022, the Richland Police Department received a call from Richland Upper Elementary School concerning an 11-year-old autistic child disclosing sexual abuse to his Region 8 counselor. The child identified Taylor, his legal guardian at the time, and gave specific details regarding different instances of abuse perpetrated by Taylor at his home in Richland.
Due to the quick actions of Region 8, Richland Upper Elementary School, and Richland PD, the child was immediately removed from Taylor’s custody, and a forensic interview was conducted with the child the next day. During his interview, the child recounted, in detail, the sexual abuse he endured from Taylor from 2020-2022.
During the investigation, authorities located and interviewed at least one other victim who alleged Taylor abused him from 1990-91 when Taylor worked as a counselor at the YMCA on Flowers Dr. in Jackson.
“The diligent efforts of faculty and staff from Richland Upper Elementary, Region 8, the Parker Children's Center, and the Richland Police Department are to be commended,” stated Bramlett. “Their quick actions and the voice of this brave child helped ensure this sex offender is locked away for the rest of his life. We hope this lengthy imprisonment brings some closure for the victims and family members.”
Defendant:
Name: Samuel Lamar Taylor
Date of Birth: 12/30/1970
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