LG
07-18-2007, 12:00 AM
A sad story, in every way...Please note that, in the article, Taylor is referred to as a "he". I have left this unchanged even though I do not agree with it.
Prostitution charge cut for transgender female
By Kim Smith
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.17.2007
The first person to be charged with felony prostitution in Pima County was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison on a reduced charge Monday.
As part of a plea agreement, Sable Rose Taylor, a 45-year-old transgendered person, pleaded guilty earlier this year to attempted possession of narcotic drugs and attempted aggravated prostitution.
In doing so, Taylor avoided prosecution for aggravated prostitution, a charge he originally faced under a new law that makes prostitution a felony if the suspect has three or more prostitution convictions.
Although he has been diagnosed with gender-identity issues, depressive and mood disorders, an antisocial personality and a personality disorder, doctors declared Taylor competent to stand trial.
He was facing up to 4 1/2 years in prison, but his public defender, Matei Tarail, asked Pima County Superior Court Judge Frank Dawley for a more lenient sentence because Taylor is mentally ill, addicted to drugs and a transgender female who will be at risk of physical harm from male inmates while in prison.
Tarail noted that Taylor, who prefers to be addressed as "Ms. Taylor," has been assaulted at the Pima County jail while awaiting trial.
Taylor, also known as Reginald Taylor, has past convictions for prostitution, drug offenses and indecent exposure, court documents say.
When given the chance to address Dawley, Taylor told the judge he was sorry to be back in court, but that up until recently he had had a hard time admitting he had mental-health issues. He also promised to stay on his psychiatric medications.
Dawley agreed to give Taylor a more lenient sentence and to seal medical reports dealing with Taylor's various ailments.
LAW & ORDER
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com.
Prostitution charge cut for transgender female
By Kim Smith
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.17.2007
The first person to be charged with felony prostitution in Pima County was sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison on a reduced charge Monday.
As part of a plea agreement, Sable Rose Taylor, a 45-year-old transgendered person, pleaded guilty earlier this year to attempted possession of narcotic drugs and attempted aggravated prostitution.
In doing so, Taylor avoided prosecution for aggravated prostitution, a charge he originally faced under a new law that makes prostitution a felony if the suspect has three or more prostitution convictions.
Although he has been diagnosed with gender-identity issues, depressive and mood disorders, an antisocial personality and a personality disorder, doctors declared Taylor competent to stand trial.
He was facing up to 4 1/2 years in prison, but his public defender, Matei Tarail, asked Pima County Superior Court Judge Frank Dawley for a more lenient sentence because Taylor is mentally ill, addicted to drugs and a transgender female who will be at risk of physical harm from male inmates while in prison.
Tarail noted that Taylor, who prefers to be addressed as "Ms. Taylor," has been assaulted at the Pima County jail while awaiting trial.
Taylor, also known as Reginald Taylor, has past convictions for prostitution, drug offenses and indecent exposure, court documents say.
When given the chance to address Dawley, Taylor told the judge he was sorry to be back in court, but that up until recently he had had a hard time admitting he had mental-health issues. He also promised to stay on his psychiatric medications.
Dawley agreed to give Taylor a more lenient sentence and to seal medical reports dealing with Taylor's various ailments.
LAW & ORDER
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com.