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(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Lori Ann Taylor, 39, of Olney, was arrested Thursday, Dec. 4 and booked into the Young County Jail on a total bond of $150,000 for charges of bribery and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Following an investigation from the Young County Sheriff’s Office, a jailer was arrested last week on charges of bribery and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Lori Ann Taylor, 39, of Olney, was arrested Thursday, Dec. 4, booked into the Young County Jail on a total bond of $150,000 for the two charges and released the same day.
Sheriff Travis Babcock said in a release Monday, Dec. 8 that the department began an investigation Monday, Dec. 1 and, during the course of investigation, Taylor was taken into custody.
“As the investigation remains active, no additional details are being released at this time. The Texas Rangers are assisting,” Babcock said.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Juan Gutierrez confirmed Tuesday, Dec. 9 that the Texas Rangers were assisting with the county investigation of the correctional officer, and that no further information was available.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the YCSO investigation revealed Taylor, while employed as a jailer at the Young County Jail, allegedly worked with prisoners to provide contraband in exchange for financial compensation.
“Evidence gathered during the investigation shows the defendant coordinated or attempted to coordinate the introduction of contraband into the detention facility, receiving or agreeing to receive financial compensation in return,” the affidavit states.
The YCSO investigation also revealed Taylor allegedly worked with at least seven known individuals, some of which were currently incarcerated, to bring contraband into the correctional facility.
“Evidence shows that the defendant engaged in communications and arrangements with these individuals to facilitate the delivery of contraband in violation of her official duties as a jailer with the Young County Sheriff’s Office,” the affidavit states.
The investigation into the charges is ongoing with YCSO and DPS. The Graham Leader will continue to follow the case and release information as it is obtained.
