NOTE: This story was originally posted on April 29, 2015. To read Aug. 19, 2015's detailed allegations against Jared Fogle, as well as his plea agreement, click here. To read more about the July 7, 2015 raid on the home of Jared Fogle, click here.
The top man of a local organization overseeing the best interest of children is now accused of crimes against children.
Russell Taylor is the executive director of the Jared Foundation, which was started by Jared Fogle, the Subway spokesperson, to prevent childhood obesity.
From the outside, the two-story house in Wayne Township looked like your typical suburban Indianapolis home. Wednesday morning, though, investigators from the Indiana Crimes Against Children Task Force were there for anything but a typical reason - searching the home of 43-year-old Russell Taylor on Salem Creek Boulevard.
Inside, investigators said they found child pornography and arrested Taylor on the spot.
According to Taylor's LinkedIn profile, for the past eight years, he's worked as the executive director of the Jared Foundation named for the Subway spokesperson.
The foundation's mission is to raise awareness about child obesity.
"Oh my God," said one neighbor when he learned the reason for the police cars he saw earlier Wednesday morning outside Taylor's home.
"That's terrible," he added, but wouldn't say much more.
According to investigators, they went to Taylor's home with a search warrant after getting a tip from a person who told police about a text they had received from Taylor.
Investigators said their search of Taylor's home led to his immediate arrest on preliminary charges of possession of child pornography, child exploitation and voyeurism.
Fogle released a statement Wednesday night about Taylor's arrest.
"I was shocked to learn of the allegations against Mr. Taylor and effective immediately, the Jared Foundation is severing all ties with Mr. Taylor," Fogle wrote.
Taylor was booked into the Marion County Arrestee Processing Center. So far though, no bond has been set for him.
The charges are as follows:
Possession of Child Pornography, IC 35-42-4-4(c) is a Level 6 Felony punishable by six months to two and a half years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Child Exploitation, IC 35-43-4-4(c) is a Level 5 Felony punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Voyeurism, IC 35-45-4-5 – Level 6 Felony punishable by six months to two and a half years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Jared Foundation executive director arrested on child pornography charges
The executive director of the Jared Foundation has been arrested on charges of child pornography possession, child exploitation and voyeurism.
