Taylor: I maintained my innocence from day one

The city alderman accused of sexual misconduct told The Somerville News he is pleased to learn that the Middlesex County District Attorney Martha Coakley has closed her investigation no file charges.

"I maintained my innocence from day one," said Alderman Thomas F. Taylor, who represents Ward 3.

This paper reported that allegations that Taylor behaved inappropriately with a teenage boy who was living with his family surfaced in September.

The identity of a accuser is not made public.

Because Taylor was an elected official, the district attorney coordinated the investigation with the Massachusetts State Police instead of the city’s police department, in order to avoid a conflict of interest.

Taylor said Thursday’s statement from the district attorney ending her investigation ended the six-month ordeal for him and his family.

"It's been a very difficult time—a very painful time for my family," said Taylor.  "I'm happy it's over and I can go on with the business of the city. I hope I can run for reelection."

Taylor said that he wants to thank his constituents and supporters for their support and confidence during the investigation, and appreciates the public's sensitivity to his family.  He also said that he was grateful to his colleagues in the city government for their understanding and support.

Comments

[Avid Reader]

Good for you Tom Taylor. I'm glad this ordeal is over for you.

[Concerned Citizen]

This story is just another sad example of someone being "convicted in print" before any charges have been filed. I was extremely dismayed to first hear about this in the paper, and to find that so much information was leaked to the press regarding an ongoing investigation.

Most of those who know or have worked with Mr. Taylor knew the accusations were unfounded. I guess a positive point is at least now he knows who his true friends are in this world.

Unfortunately, the accuser gets to walk away scot-free, anonymous, and with his reputation protected while the Alderman is left to try to put his life back together.

[James Morello]

I am glad to see Tom has been cleared of this nightmare. It is a sad day when you try to help someone and the person and the press turns to ruin a reputation. All I can say to the press and tha accuser is, "Shame on you"! This is America, innocent until proven guilty!!

[Deborah Parker]

I write from Ohio as a family friend to say that I couldn't be happier that the investigation of Tom Taylor has been concluded. Until you've had the misfortune of being the subject of media attention, as the Taylors have been, you can't know the stress, humiliation, and difficulty that this family has been through. I'm pleased that Tom and his family, who have devoted themselves to public service, can now focus once again on what's important to them--raising a family, being of service to the Somerville community, and enjoying life.

[Me]

When will we see this in the Somerville Journal? You know, that paper that published all the "leaked" information.

[Grog29]

I can't believe how hypocritical liberal Democrats are.

Here's a little boy who claims that Democratic Taylor molested him
and the Democrats attack the victim. The terms being used like
"sexual misconduct" and "behaved improperly with a teenage boy".

If Taylor was a priest or a Republican watch out!

You people make me sick and you'll get yours.

I hope the kid files a civil suit.

[Lori Courtney]

First off this is to Grog29. Before you know the facts I suggest you shut the hell up. The "boy" reffered to is someone who is a known manipulator, a liar, a drug addict and so many other things. Unlike some I know who this "kid" is.

My stepfather's innocence has nothing to do with him being a Democrat. It has to do with him being innocent and to do with that this "kid" is not believeable.

Why is he not believeable because there are many holes in his story. First he never lived in residence there he stayed there a couple of weeks while my Mom had to be in the house fulltime because of an injury. So this kid is nothing more than a liar.

Tom saw a family that needed help and tried to help them. He helped intervene when asked by the parents tried to help get this kid working and each time he did this kid would rather be out partying and messing around then be at work. Every time Tom helped him this kid screwed up.

Grog you can post all you want because you do not know all the facts. Anyone who goes on half assed presumptions made by a paper and by someone they do not even know the identity of is a fool.

Let me tell you something about Tom. Tom is one of the last of the good guys out there. Tom has helped out more people than you could imagine, he is the type that would give his shirt off his back if someone needed it.

You want to take blasts at people go for it but at least back what you say with a name not a nickname or screen name. Are you really that scared to put your name to your words.I am not scared to put my name to my words and I am not afraid to support my stepdad, or my family.

The accuser had no humiliation from this except those who know who he is know he is those things that I mentioned. He was in trouble before Tom and my family tried to help him out. The "kid" was thrown out by his own family for stealing and abuse. His own family knows he is lying about this stuff.

[OJ Revisited]

The comedy a civil suit would bring. . an admitted homosexual , and confirmed drug addict and liar in search of a way to acquire the funds he needs to support his ventures. If the reports are made public , Im sure you'll find that the alleged abuse was supposedly commited in the same room where Mrs. Taylor was housebound with a leg injury. If you know the "word around town" , theres not an attorney that will take this case to a civil suit. The fire was only fueled by the Somerville Journal and a number of city officials and residents who have long sought Tom Taylor's defeat and demise in fear he will run for mayor or better.
Good luck to all of you - the states top investigators disagree with the charges .. so do I .. JUSTICE IS SERVED !!!!