West Plains, MO. – A former West Plains teacher and coach will have a jury trial held in 2024, more than two years after the initial investigation began. Christopher Taylor is charged with Sexual Contact with a Student, 4th-degree Child Molestation, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
An investigation into Taylor began on January 31, 2022, after a female student reported to West Plains Police that she had been assaulted four days prior by a West Plains School employee. Taylor was initially arrested on February 22, 2022, and has been out on a $50,000 bond.
In March 2022, Taylor was granted a change of venue to Butler County*. At the request of Taylor’s Counsel, a request for the appointment of a special prosecutor was granted in February 2023. Corie Geary and Tristin Estep of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office were assigned as Special Prosecutors the following month.
A jury trial has been scheduled to start on February 21, 2024, at the Butler County Courthouse in Poplar Bluff with the trial expected to last through February 23rd.
History:
Former W.P. Coach Charged with Sex Crimes Granted Change of Venue
BREAKING NEWS: Former West Plains Teacher Arrested For Sexual Contact with Student
*correction made on May 19, 2023. In the third paragraph and final line, it stated Dent County. This was incorrect. The correct location is Butler County.
