Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Kevin Taylor, a 19-year-old Kalamazoo man, has been sentenced to a minimum 9 years after being convicted of first-degree child abuse. Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Gary C. Giguere to 112 months to 20 years in prison, saying that the abuse of a 2-year-old boy was an act of brutality, and that no small child was safe around Taylor.
Taylor was initially charged with a count of first-degree child abuse as a second-time habitual offender and domestic violence. As part of his plea agreement, the charge of domestic violence was dropped at Taylor’s June 17 sentencing hearing.
News articles do not reveal how or if Taylor is related to the 2-year-old boy, or where the alleged abuse took place. What is known is that Taylor, who was 18 years old at the time, was babysitting the toddler, and that his last known address was in the 1100 block of Bridge Street. According to Mlive.com, Kalamazoo police were in search of Taylor after responding to a report of child abuse from the Bronson Methodist Hospital. The boy’s injuries were said to be consistent with physical abuse, and included bruises to his body and blunt-force trauma to the abdomen.
Judge Giguere said after sentencing Taylor that, “It keeps you off the streets for a significant amount of time.” He also said that Taylor “richly deserved” his sentence. Taylor told the judge on Monday that he knew he made mistakes, and that while in prison he hoped to better himself. He went on to say that while in prison he would take classes so that he would be fit for society upon his release.
Michigan child abuse lawyers agree that harming and abusing a child is unconscionable; however, young people, particularly teenagers, are not always emotionally or psychologically capable of controlling their thoughts and actions. Certainly the defendant in this case is learning a lesson the hard way, although it is unfortunate that someone so young may remain in prison until he is nearly 30 years old, and may never have the opportunity to live a productive life.
Everyone makes mistakes. If you have been accused of child abuse, domestic violence, or any serious criminal offense it is important that you speak with an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney now. Without capable legal representation, your freedom and future are at risk.