Mistrial declared in ex-teacher’s sex abuse case

A judge declared a mistrial today after a jury could not reach a verdict in the trial of a former high school teacher in Coeur d’Alene accused of lewd conduct with a young child. Had the jury found him guilty, Daniel Abram Taylor would have faced a sentence of up to life in prison for the offense, which involved the alleged rape of a 5-year-old in the fall of 2012. Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Barry McHugh said, “The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. We intend to go forward at a second trial.” The jury began deliberations Tuesday and came back into court after lunch today. “I know you gave it your best shot,” 1st District Judge Fred Gibler said, adding that the jury worked as hard as any he has had. “This happens. It probably happens more frequently than people think.” Taylor was a science teacher at Venture High School, the Coeur d’Alene School District’s alternative high school, when he was arrested. The alleged assault did not involve a student or happen on school grounds, and Taylor resigned from his job in March 2014. Initially he was charged with three felonies, including rape. The charges were amended to one count of lewd conduct with a child under 16, and Taylor pleaded not guilty. The trial began last week and concluded Tuesday.