Ex-Roy Junior High teacher pleads guilty in student sex case

OGDEN — A former Roy Junior High wood shop teacher has pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a female student who now is 17.

Kenneth William Taylor, 46, has entered guilty pleas to three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old, a third-degree felony. As part of a plea bargain, three other identical charges were dismissed.

Taylor is set to be sentenced March 17 before 2nd District Judge Ernie Jones. The judge ordered a presentence report, but court records show he did not think a psychosexual report was necessary.

Police got a tip on Aug. 31, 2009, that there was some type of inappropriate teacher-student relationship and law enforcement officials began investigating Taylor, who had taught at the school for five years.

The Weber School District put Taylor on administrative leave the next day; he resigned three days later.

Police said they found evidence that Taylor "groomed" the girl to gain her trust and prepare her for sexual advances through text messages, e-mails and in-person contact, which is a common practice for sexual predators.

Police believe Taylor began developing a psychological relationship with the girl when she was 14 years old and that it became a sexual relationship when she was 16.

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