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CEDAR CITY — All charges have been dismissed against a Cedar City man accused of sexually abusing three girls living at a home for troubled teens after it was discovered that several of the alleged victims lied.
State prosecutors requested that all eight charges filed against Daniel Sandberg Taylor, 43, be dismissed in light of a follow-up investigation that showed "several of the alleged victims and witnesses lied about the underlying charges," according to a motion filed in 5th District Court.
Judge Michael Westfall implemented an order dismissing the charges Friday— the same day the motion to dismiss was filed.
"Mr. Daniel Taylor is gratified with the dismissal of all charges filed against him by the Iron County Attorney's Office," defense attorney Blaine Hofeling said in a statement. "Mr. Taylor has at all times and continues to maintain his innocence."
Hofeling said his client is looking forward to trying to rebuild his life. He also said Taylor wants to thank all who believed he was innocent and supported him throughout the legal process.
- Three counts of rape
- Three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child
- Child abuse
- Assault
A message left for Iron County chief deputy attorney Troy Little was not immediately returned Tuesday.
Integrity House in Cedar City serves as a treatment center for girls between the ages of 12 and 17 who are experiencing emotional and behavioral issues.
Taylor was accused of raping a 17-year-old resident of the facility three times between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28, 2013, according to a police affidavit filed in court. He was also charged with inappropriately touching two other girls, ages 12 and 13. The assault charge stemmed from a disagreement Taylor had with a female staff member in which he is accused of shoving the woman to the floor and twisting her wrist, according to the affidavit.
The allegations were supported by physical evidence, as well as testimony from an eyewitness and others in the facility, police said.
In the motion to dismiss, Little wrote that in addition to lying, "several of the alleged victims in this case are unable and unwilling to participate in the prosecution due to (severe) psychiatric and emotional issues."
Taylor was terminated from his position at the home after his arrest.
