Former executive director of Jared Foundation still in federal custody
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The former executive director of the Jared Foundation, who is accused of producing and possessing child pornography, is still in federal custody waiting for a court date.
Russell Taylor, 43, has been in federal custody ever since being released from the Marion County Jail. Taylor attempted to take his own life in May while sitting in jail.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office could not comment on the nature of the incident, but told 24 Hour News 8 that Taylor’s health has been improving.
A “for sale” sign can now be seen outside of what used to be the home of Russell Taylor.
Investigators raided the home in the 1300 block of Salem Creek Boulevard at the end of April and found child pornography inside.
Taylor is accused of filming four children, according to federal documents.
“One time we were out on the back porch, we could see into the house,” said John Lewis, neighbor. “They had some kids upstairs, I guess they had kids? I don’t even know if it was their kids or not.”
According to 16 pages worth of federal documents, Taylor had hidden cameras throughout his home. He admitted to investigators that he placed the cameras to catch bad behavior and a possible thief.
“I didn’t think that was going on,” said Lewis, neighbor. “I was thinking maybe drugs, maybe.”
Police said this all started after they received a tip from Taylor’s friend. She said she had been texting sexual messages with Taylor and his wife.
The woman told investigators she knew Taylor and his wife through her husband. She said her husband passed away in 2013.
According to federal documents, that woman said Taylor offered to send her videos and pictures of young girls.
She said Taylor at one point asked her if he and another woman could come over to engage in sexual activity with her horse.
Investigators said the woman boards horses on her property and did not agree to the request.
Investigators asked her if she thought Taylor was joking, she told them, “You could tell he was serious.”
When asked if Taylor has ever expressed interest in sexual activity with children, she told investigators, “Not that I can remember, but he’s the type of person that seems to be very sexually involved in whatever goes.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that no other charges have been filed at this time.