LOGAN — A 46-year-old Smithfield man faces a first-degree felony rape charge and multiple misdemeanors following an investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted an underage female at his home, according to law enforcement.
Justin Craig Taylor appeared July 13 in the Logan’s 1st District Court. He is charged with object rape, a first-degree felony, as well as three counts of sexual battery and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor, all Class A misdemeanors.
According to a probable cause statement, Taylor befriended two females at a local business and subsequently began messaging them. One of the females later encouraged the alleged victim to visit Taylor’s residence to “hang out.”
While at the home, Taylor allegedly made sexual advances, offering the females cash in exchange for removing their clothing. The victim stated she felt uncomfortable and pressured during the encounter.
The probable cause statement details that Taylor repeatedly grabbed the victim inappropriately. The victim caught his hands, quickly moved away and explicitly told Taylor to stop.
Smithfield City police further allege that while the victim was playing darts, Taylor approached her from behind, reached down the back of her pants and molested her. The victim pulled away again and told him to stop. Investigators also noted that Taylor knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to both individuals at the residence, both of whom were underage at the time.
Taylor, who is currently out of jail, is scheduled to appear again in court Aug. 10 for a preliminary hearing, where a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bind him over for trial. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.