Trial Begins in Maryland Deaf School Abuse Case

Clarence Taylor III, is charged with sexually abusing seven female students in Columbia

Jury selection has begun in Ellicott City, Md., for the trial of a former Maryland School for the Deaf dormitory aide charged with sexually abusing seven female students in Columbia.

Clarence Taylor III, 38, pleaded not guilty to all charges Monday before the selection process began.

Howard County Circuit Judge William Tucker says 12 jurors and three alternates will be seated Tuesday before lawyers make opening statements.

Taylor, of Gwynn Oak, Md., is accused of molesting students between 2008 and 2011. The alleged victims were in the fourth through eighth grades.

Taylor allegedly kissed, hugged and fondled the girls during their overnight stays at the school.

He faces seven counts of sex abuse of a minor and three counts of soliciting a subject for child pornography.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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