Convicted felon arrested for sexual battery of young girl

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Michael Norbett Taylor, 62, was arrested today for allegedly sexually battering a girl under the age of 12.

During an unrelated investigation, the victim disclosed to law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families that Taylor had touched her “private parts” more than twice when she was under the age of 12; she said she had told another girl about the incidents at the time.

In a forensic interview, the victim reportedly described three separate incidents. In the first one, Taylor allegedly touched her inappropriately over her clothes; in the second incident, he allegedly attempted to rape her but was unsuccessful; in the third incident, Taylor allegedly touched her in a sexual way while she was sleeping.

The victim reportedly said that Taylor gave her $20 to not say anything.

The witness reportedly said that the victim had told her about the second incident, but she didn’t believe her at the time; however, she said she saw Taylor near the victim around the time of the third incident and said the victim told her later that someone had touched her while she was sleeping.

Post Miranda, Taylor reportedly said he knew the victim was under 12 at the time of the alleged incidents and said he gave her money, but he did this with other children, too. He denied touching her inappropriately and said she was lying because she didn’t get what she wanted, but he was reportedly unable to say what she wanted or why she would lie.

Taylor has been charged with sexual battery of a victim under 12 and lewd or lascivious molestation. He has one state felony conviction (non-violent) and one state misdemeanor conviction (non-violent), along with 15 criminal traffic convictions. In 1999, he pled to a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and was sentenced to 78 months in prison, followed by 48 months of probation. His bail, if any, will be set tomorrow.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law