Man accused of sexually assaulting boy
Butler police arrested a man after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy at knifepoint Thursday night at the YMCA.
The suspect, Jason M. Taylor, 35, of Butler is in the Butler County Prison on $150,000 bail.
Officers were called to the Butler YMCA on North Washington Street and spoke to the boy. Taylor also was detained there, police said.
The child told police that Taylor about 7:30 p.m. attacked him from behind, grabbing him by the throat and brandishing a blue utility knife, according to court documents.
The boy said he had never seen Taylor before.
He recounted that the suspect held the knife to his face and led him into a bathroom stall, police said. Taylor warned him not to scream.
Taylor allegedly locked the stall door and began to remove the boy’s clothes. The boy said Taylor kissed and fondled him, a police affidavit said.
When he heard someone come into the bathroom, the boy told police he yelled for help. That scared Taylor, who unlocked the stall door and ran out of the bathroom, documents said.
Several other YMCA members heard the cries and rushed to help, stopping Taylor and holding him until police arrived.
Police interviewed Taylor at the station.
“He did admit to the assault just as described by the victim,” the affidavit said, “but denied ever kissing the victim.”
Taylor also admitted that he had never seen the boy before that day.
“He was unable or unwilling to state what his intentions were and advised (police) that he does have mental health issues but is unable to afford treatment.”
Taylor was arraigned Friday on charges of attempted rape, attempted aggravated assault and attempted aggravated indecent assault, all felonies.
Additionally, he was arraigned on misdemeanor charges of indecent assault with a person less than 13 years old, corruption of minors, simple assault and terroristic threats.
A preliminary hearing is set for July 8 before District Judge Pete Shaffer.
Bill Kunert, president and chief executive officer of the Butler County Family YMCA, would not say if Taylor is a current or past member, citing the organization’s privacy policy.
He declined to comment on the case but issued a prepared statement.
“The YMCA understands that an allegation of child abuse has been made against a person who was at the YMCA on (Thursday). The YMCA immediately referred this matter to all the proper authorities, and it is under investigation,” he said in the statement.
“Because an investigation is under way and allegations of child abuse have been made, the YMCA cannot comment further at this time because it wishes to protect the privacy interests of the child involved and protect the integrity of the investigation that is under way.”
Court records show Taylor has several prior convictions for forgery and theft between 2002 and 2008 in Butler, Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
