from www.usatoday.com – Lawrence Taylor is due in court on July 13 in New York after being indicted on charges of rape, sexual abuse and criminal sexual acts on Wednesday.
Taylor was arrested on May 6 and accused of raping what police said was a prostituted 16-year-old girl. Rockland County DA Thomas Zugibe [pictured] made clear on Wednesday that he intends to hold Taylor accountable if convicted.
“One of the most effective ways to target prostitution is to go after the johns,” Zugibe said. “This indictment underscores our serious commitment to prosecuting those defendants who create a market for the region’s growing sex trade.”
In May, Taylor’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, denied that his client had sex with the alleged victim. He maintained the innocence of the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Taylor could face four years in prison if he is convicted.
“The defendant in this case is the end-user in the criminal chain known as sex trafficking,” Zugibe said of Taylor.
“Any effort to successfully combat this epidemic must confront not only the supply of vulnerable young women, but the demand which perpetuates this unsavory and illegal activity. We are going to hold those who create the demand accountable.”