Fugitive Pedophile From Florida Arrested In Atlantic County
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) - U.S. Marshals and New Jersey State Police arrested on Wednesday in Atlantic County a pedophile who was on the run from Florida.
Following leads, police were able to locate 58-year-old Harvey Wayne Taylor in a Newtonville apartment building where he and his son, 25-year-old Rocky, were working as painters.
Authorities say Taylor was wanted on a 2004 warrant for violating his probation in Brevard County, Florida. According to police, Taylor was on probation for multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of two of his daughters when they were under the age of 12 in the late 1980s. Both daughters, police say, are now deceased.
In 2002, Taylor was arrested in Maine for parole violations and he was returned to Florida where he was again placed on parole. Police say Taylor never registered in Florida as a sex offender and again escaped the state until Wednesday's arrest.
When police arrived at the Newtonville apartment, police say Rocky tried to prevent officers from arresting his father. Police eventually arrested both men and they were taken to the Buena Vista State Police Station.
Authorities say the Taylors were living in a small trailer in a wooded area of Newtonville and kept a very low profile which made location difficult. Taylor worked as a handyman for cash, and did not have a bank account or driver's license. Police say Taylor adopted the name Wayne and his son used the name Ricky.
Harvey Taylor was placed in Atlantic County Jail on a no-bail warrant, charged as a fugitive from justice and for resisting arrest. Rocky Taylor was charged with hindering apprehension and also placed in Atlantic County Jail on $2500 bail with a 10 percent option.
Based on Harvey Taylor's prior record in Florida, and his failure to register as a sex offender, the New Jersey State Police are interested in speaking with anyone in the Buena Vista Township area with knowledge of illegal activity related to his presence in the area. You are asked to contact troopers at 609-561-1800.
