West Warwick man charged with child solicitation - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

West Warwick man charged with child solicitation

By: Melissa Toupin

mtoupin@abc6.com

Thomas Taylor appeared emotionless as he stood before a judge today. The 25 year old West Warwick man is accused of soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl. According to court documents Taylor contacted the teen using Facebook offering her $80 for sex.

A concerned parent called police and troopers assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit launched an investigation.

Taylor was arrested in Coventry Thursday by undercover officers posing as the teen.

Outside of the Kent County Courthouse in Warwick Taylor's mother had no comment.

Kevin Lacaillade lives next door to Taylor on Gough Ave. As a father of 2 young girls he says having an alleged child predator so close is troubling.

"I have an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old daughter," said Lacaillade. "And he's living next door. So it doesn't sit well at all."

The River Point Advent Christian Church is just a few houses down the street. Pastor Douglas Tourgee says eh will be notifying his parishioners.

" It's a concerning issue because you hate to hear of a sexual offender where there are kids and teenagers," said Tourgee.

Taylor was released on $1,000 bail with surety and is due back in Court on September 24th. He's been ordered to say away from anyone under the age of 16. If Convicted he could face 5 years in prison.