INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 4, 2015)– An Indianapolis man was charged in federal court Monday with seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Up until his arrest, Russell C. Taylor, 43, was the executive director of the Jared Foundation, named after Subway spokesperson Jared Fogle. The foundation works toward raising awareness about childhood obesity.
More than 400 videos of alleged child pornography were found on computers and storage media devices recovered from Taylor’s home office in the 1300 block of Salem Creek Boulevard. Some videos were produced inside the bathrooms or bedrooms of Taylor’s current and former Indianapolis residences, during the period between 2012 and 2015.
Taylor admitted putting concealed cameras around his home, but claims it was to monitor whether things were being stolen, or if someone was having sex in his home.
Four children between the ages of 9 and 16 are in the videos. They did not know they were being taped. Taylor reportedly told authorities he did not review the tapes, saying that his wife did.
Taylor allegedly sent several lewd text messages to a concerned citizen, some including links to websites dedicated to bestiality dedicated and obtaining child porn.
In addition to the child porn and child exploitation investigation, police are looking into claims Taylor was involved with bestiality.
“Protecting those who cannot protect themselves will always be a priority of this office,” said United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler. “Adults who sexually exploit children by producing child pornography knowingly cause vast harm to their victims and should expect appropriately strong punishment.”
Taylor faces decades in prison if convicted on all counts.
The Subway Corporation responded last week, saying:
“We don’t have any affiliation with the foundation, and we were disgusted to hear about these claims. We’re glad Jared took quick action to sever all his ties with Mr. Taylor.”
Jared Fogle released the following statement last week to FOX59:
I was shocked to learn of the disturbing allegations against Mr. Taylor. Effective immediately, the Jared Foundation is severing all ties with Mr. Taylor.
