Taylor High School employee and basketball coach arrested for child solicitation

KOKOMO – A former Taylor Community School Corporation employee and basketball coach is facing criminal charges after police say he sent inappropriate photos and videos to a minor.

According to the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, 49-year-old Randy Sullivan sent several inappropriate text messages to one of his basketball players, who is a student at Taylor High School.

According to HCSO, the photos and videos were sent from Sullivan’s residence via his personal phone number. Investigators spoke with the victim, who confirmed that she had been groomed by Sullivan.

Sullivan refused to speak to investigators, the HSCO said. Police said they found a handwritten note in Sullivan’s vehicle that included an apology to his friends, family and the victim.

PREVIOUS | School principal: Taylor Community Schools fired employees following allegations (wrtv.com)

Sullivan was taken to the Howard County Jail where he remains held on $50,000 bond. He is accused of the following charges:

• Advertising for children
• Sexual Battery
• Distribution of content harmful to minors

In a voicemail sent to parents this week, Superintendent Steve Dishon called the allegations “deeply disturbing.”

“As the situation developed and the facts came to light, Taylor Community School Corporation fired the employee and banned him from entering Taylor properties or events involving Taylor students,” Dishon said in the voicemail. “He has not had access to our students since the indictment. We are cooperating fully with the police investigation as the safety of our students is always our priority.”

The Taylor Community School Corporation will hold public meetings for parents following the incident on Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“I will be placed in the boardroom to meet with any parents who would like to hear what we have planned to keep our students safe,” the district said in a Facebook post. “I will explain the educational components as well as the safety protocols we are putting in place. I want to reassure everyone that we are addressing any areas where we can improve our existing safety policies and guidelines.

Anyone with further information about this case is asked to contact Detective Waymire at 765-614-3463.

VIEW | The latest headlines from WRTV

Latest Headlines | October 3rd, 11 a.m