City man faces life in prison on child-rape, kidnapping charges

YOUNGSTOWN — A 49-year-old Bryson Street man is facing a mandatory life sentence without parole when he is sentenced later this week for raping a 6-year-old girl.

Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court announced her guilty verdict against Donald R. Taylor today after a three-day, nonjury trial last week.

The judge also found Taylor guilty of a kidnapping charge that alleged he restrained the girl’s liberty for purposes of engaging in sexual activity with her on Feb. 18, 2005, in his apartment. The kidnapping charge carries three to 10 years in prison.

A scientist testified Taylor’s DNA was found on the girl’s clothing. Taylor and the victim also testified.

Taylor left prison in 2004 after serving 21 1/2 years for rape and gross sexual imposition for sex acts with several children in 1982.