On May 31, a joint investigation between the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office along with the Department of Homeland Security yielded a search warrant for a Braxton Road residence.
Based upon information gathered by DHS investigators, the internet address that was being used by the suspect was located at 4595 Braxton Road in Grifton. DHS had obtained evidence through the internet that a juvenile was being exploited which involved child nudity. This information led to a search warrant for the Lenoir County residence on Braxton Road.
A suspect - Thomas Andrew Taylor Sr. - was immediately identified as the homeowner who lived at the residence. Taylor was not present when the search warrant was executed, but was contacted after the identification was confirmed.
It was also discovered that Taylor is a firefighter with the Kinston Department of Public Safety and a sworn reserve deputy with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Computers found at the residence were found to contain footage Taylor had recorded of a victim who was being exploited via the internet. Investigators believe the victim had no knowledge of the recordings.
Investigators contacted Taylor - who was at work in Kinston - and asked him to return to his residence. In an attempt to destroy evidence, Taylor threw his laptop computer into a creek off N.C. 58 North in Kinston on the way home. With assistance from Hugo Fire & Rescue, the computer was recovered and is being processed for evidence by the DHS.
"While Taylor is innocent until proven guilty, it still disappoints me that someone who is in a position of trust can put themselves into this type of situation. It is an embarrassment to both firefighters and law enforcement," Hill said. "Regardless, my deputies and I have a job to do, and the people of Lenoir County expect me and all other law enforcement to carry it out regardless of race, age, sex, or position within the community.”
Taylor has been charged with possessing photograph image device for peeping and secretly using/installing photographic image device for peeping - both of which are felonies.
Taylor is currently being held in the Lenoir County Detention Center under a $35,000 secured bond. More charges may be pending.