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A New York man, Duane Taylor, has been sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping of a young girl from Reading, Pennsylvania. Taylor, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including kidnapping and production of child pornography, was sentenced on Monday (October 21) by United States District Court Judge John M. Gallagher. The charges stem from an incident on August 31, 2022, when Taylor abducted the girl from her home on Schuylkill Avenue and transported her to his residence in Brooklyn, New York.
According to official court documents, the girl's mother reported her missing after discovering the back door of their home was open and the chain lock broken. Surveillance footage showed Taylor, who was known to the family, entering the home and leaving with the girl. The New York City Police Department, in coordination with the Reading Police Department and the FBI, traced Taylor to his Brooklyn residence. The girl was found later that day after a citizen reported seeing her alone and seeking help.
The case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Taylor's conviction highlights the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety of children.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rosalynda M. Michetti and Josh A. Davison prosecuted the case. Taylor's sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and serves as a warning to others who might engage in similar conduct.