SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A former youth pastor was charged with seven felonies following accusations he sexually abused a child in Missouri.
Jeff Taylor, 46, of Strafford, was charged Thursday with five counts of statutory sodomy and two counts of statutory rape, the Springfield News-Leader reported.
Taylor is accused of sexually abusing a child for several years, beginning when the victim was younger than 14. He was booked into the Green County jail Wednesday, one day after the victim reported it to law enforcement.
Taylor allegedly told the Greene County Sheriff’s deputies that he engaged in sexual activity with the victim and said his actions were “based in love," according to a court document.
Taylor worked at the First Baptist Church in Strafford until a few days ago, court documents state.
If convicted, he faces a possible life sentence. Online court records do not list an attorney for Taylor.
