NFL: Legendary Lawrence Taylor indicted for rape and prostitution of a 16-year old girl, troubled linebacker has history of substance abuse
American football legend and Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was indicted Wednesday 23 January on rape and prostitution charges. According to the prosecution Taylor solicited the services of a 16 year old prostitute in May this year in a hotel room in Rockland County. According to laws of the state of New York, an individual can be charged with third degree rape if found guilty of sexual intercourse with a minor.
Lawrence Taylor is being indicted on six counts of criminal conduct according to a statement by the Rockland County district attorney, Thomas Zugibe.
The victim, who was not identified except by her initial account of her being a minor, described the ordeal of physical assault and threats she suffered at the hands of an individual who brought her to Lawrence Taylor’s Holiday Inn hotel room. New York City police has arrested the said individual who is also facing charges in the case.
Taylor, 51, in documents filed in Manhattan Federal Court by federal prosecutors after his arrest in May is said to have told investigating officers that he paid the minor 300$ after “engaging in s*x acts” with her. In a statement to the press after Taylor’s arrest, his lawyer stated that Taylor had denied having s*x with the girl. If convicted Taylor could face a maximum of one year prison sentences on solicitation charges and a maximum of 4 years prison sentence for third degree rape.
District Attorney Zugibe in his statement said that trafficking of women constitutes a “criminal chain” and that Lawrence Taylor is the “end-user”. For the law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle the situation the demand that fuels s*x trafficking must be scuttled in concert with supply. "We are going to hold those who create the demand accountable", he said.
In May an uncle of the girl informed police of her location after receiving a text message from her asking for his help. The runaway girl had been reported missing by her family. Officers found the girl at that address with Rasheed Davis. Davis was charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault. Shortly after the officers instructed Ramapo Police to arrest Lawrence Taylor.
The girl had been physically abused and carried visible facial injuries which, according to the Ramapo Police, Taylor said had already been inflicted on her when she was brought to the room.
In a 2004 interview with 60 minutes, Taylor spoke of his soft spot for call girls. “Knock on the door, you open the door, and you got two beautiful women sitting there (saying) 'We're for you!' And I'm like, 'You're in the right place”.
Taylor’s lawyers did not present any evidence in his defence in front of the grand jury. It was a “conscientious” and “strategic” decision on part of Taylor’s lawyers, his agent Mark Lepselter said. His next court date is July 13th.
Taylor, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, had a tumultuous 13 year career as linebacker for Giants due to his substance abuse issues. In an interview he said that at his peak he spent thousands of dollars each day on narcotics. Taylor is considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time by most observers and was awarded the title of defensive player for the years 1981, 1982, 1986. He was also declared the Most Valuable player for the year 1986.
In addition to alcohol abuse, Taylor also tested positive for cocaine in 1987. He was tested positive again in a second test and suspended for a thirty day period. He stayed clean for the next five years owing in great part to the fact that a third positive test would have ended his NFL career, saying in his autobiography that cocaine was what he considered the “only bright spot” in his future after his NFL career ended.
According to a statement from his lawyer, Taylor no longer uses drugs. “That was the old Lawrence Taylor. This is the new Lawrence Taylor”.
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