TBI executes search warrant on Judge Jay Taylor's office in Rogersville

By: George Jackson | 11 Connects WJHL-tv
Published: February 09, 2012

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. --

Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant in Rogersville on Wednesday -- at the law office of Hawkins County Judge James "Jay" Taylor.

A state official said the search was tied to an investigation ordered by District Attorney Berkeley Bell last August, a case subsequently turned over to Tennessee Attorney General Robert E. Cooper Jr.

Construction workers said TBI Agents started searching Taylor's office around 10 a.m.

Officials closed the 100 block of Depot Street for the next eight hours, walked in with empty boxes, and walked out with boxes filled with paper. They also collected computer equipment.

Wednesday's search and seizure adds to a colored history surrounding Taylor's judgeship.

March 29th, 2011: The Tennessee Court of the Judiciary cited Taylor -- then, a juvenile court judge -- for ethics violations. They said Taylor supported a 10 Commandments display in the justice center.

July 25th, 2011: Taylor replaced the late David Brand as General Sessions Court Judge. The Hawkins County Commission voted 11 for Taylor, 10 for Buddy Baird. The commission was split 10-10 during a similar vote one month earlier.

August 17th, 2011: Hawkins County County Commissioner Darrell Gilliam told 11 Connects someone offered him a bribe to vote for Taylor after June's split vote. Gilliam voted no on Taylor both times. District Attorney General Berkely Bell confirmed a bribery investigation was underway.

January 24th, 2012: The Tennessee Court of the Judiciary cited Taylor again -- this time for misconduct. The Court said Taylor took $9,000 from a client for personal benefit, and claimed payment to serve as counsel in cases that came before him as general sessions judge.

Taylor's term as a general sessions judge ends in August of 2012. He is running for re-election.

Taylor did not return calls for comment.