Lawyers said the sex-abuse trial of a former Maryland School for the Deaf dormitory aide comes down to his word against the victims' accusations.
Assistant Howard County State's Attorney JoAnna Miller said in her opening statement Tuesday in Ellicott City that the case against 38-year-old Clarence Taylor III depends mainly on statements made by the seven alleged victims and the defendant.
There's no video of Taylor hugging, kissing or fondling the girls. And Miller said police couldn't retrieve text messages in which Taylor allegedly asked three of the girls for nude photos.
Defense attorney Brandon Mead said Taylor is a loving husband and father who would never touch a girl inappropriately.
"Mr. Taylor categorically denies any of these false allegations. He looks forward to clearing his good name," Mead said.
The alleged abuse happened between August 2008 and July 2011. Taylor was working as a school aide. The girls at the time were overnight students ranging in age from 10 to 13.
Jurors heard from a now-16-year-old girl who testified that she first met Taylor, known as CT, when she was in sixth grade and said he was funny, cool and a nice guy. Her opinion changed when he lied about his age and touched her body.
"Just because you hug somebody does not mean there is any inclination of sexual desire there and the day that we are arrested and charged with sexual offenses for hugging or bumping into somebody is a day we're all in trouble," Mead said.
Mead said the alleged molestation was merely accidental contact or innocent touching meant to aid communication among non-hearing people.
Police said the allegation against Taylor came to light in December 2012. Dorm counselor Lisa Velez testified four girls told her about him touching them when she took them out for a weekend breakfast. She later reported it to supervisors.
Velez told jurors touch is very important, but in the right place and at the right time.
Testimony moved at a slow pace as attorneys asked questions and interpreters then used sign language to get answers. When Taylor communicates with his attorney, those on the witness stand who understand how to sign must turn around so that they can't read what Taylor is saying.
"At the trial table Mr. Taylor and I have to communicate and in communicating with sign language, somebody that knows sign language can then tell what's being communicated and that communication is confidential," Meade said.
The 16-year-old girl continues her testimony Wednesday. Taylor's trial is expected to last two weeks.
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