Jeremy Lee Taff was arrested in the Tampa suburb of Clearwater and faces a federal felony interstate stalking charge while already fighting a fine and jail time on a misdemeanor conviction for harassing communications of the victim. Court records show Taff and the victim attended the same high school in the 1990s.
However, an affidavit of the victim indicates Taff's post graduation communications with her became annoying and then frightening in January and February of 2009. The FBI filed an affidavit with emails from Taff including graphic descriptions of his desire to rape and sodomize the victim. Taff will be brought back to Mobile, Alabama for a court appearance. The U.S. Attorney's Office plans to present the case to the grand jury this month. If he is convicted, Taff could be sentenced up to a maximum of 5 years in prison.
The woman originally sought an arrest warrant from the Daphne Police Department in March. On October 5, Taff showed up at her home and said he wanted to take her picture. Police arrested him later that day at a motel. A Daphne municipal court found Taff guilty in November and sentenced him to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Taff was out on bail while awaiting an appeal.
Taff has a history of legal and mental health problems. According to Minnesota court records, Taff was convicted in 2003 of violating a restraining order and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, two years probation and an anger management program. Taff pleaded guilty to making terrorists threats and was sentenced to three years probation and psychological counseling in 2005. His probation was revoked in 2008 when he was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. He was committed to a mental hospital by Minnesota courts for mental illness in 2004 and 2006.
Criminal charges for stalking, sexual assault, rape, internet solicitation and other sexual offenses can destroy your reputation and most importantly your future. When charged with a criminal offense it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side who will advocate aggressively for your rights. At Musca Law, we believe that anyone accused of a crime deserves the strongest and most effective defense possible. Contact Musca Law for an initial consultation, so we can provide you with the best possible outcome.
