Jared Foundation executive director facing child exploitation charges

The former executive director of the Jared Foundation was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of child exploitation and child pornography.

A judge on Thursday found probable cause to hold Russell Taylor, 43, but prosecutors have not yet levied formal charges.

Indiana State Police detectives began investigating Taylor after a tip was received from an acquaintance of Taylor's, a probable cause affidavit says.

A woman was exchanging texts of a sexual nature with Taylor when he asked if she wanted to see pictures of young girls, the affidavit says. The woman was concerned and called police.

Investigators from the Indiana Crimes Against Children Task Force obtained a search warrant for Taylor's home in the 1300 block of Salem Creek Boulevard, on the city's Far Westside, and found evidence of child pornography, police said.

Detectives found multiple video files of three undressed children.

Taylor was taken into custody and is being held in the Marion County Jail.

Taylor's attorney, Bradley Lynn Banks, declined to comment on the allegations, saying he is still awaiting a final charging decision from prosecutors.

Jared Fogle, the famed Subway spokesman who is best known for losing 235 pounds by eating Subway sandwiches and exercising, started the nonprofit Jared Foundation to raise awareness and cash to support childhood obesity programs.

Fogle released the following statement in response to Taylor's arrest:

"I was shocked to learn of the disturbing allegations against Mr. Taylor. Effective immediately, the Jared Foundation is severing all ties with Mr. Taylor."

Calls placed to a number on the foundation's website went directly to voice mail, messages left were not immediately returned and the phone number listed on the foundation's 990 tax form has been disconnected.

Taylor is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon for an initial hearing.

Prosecutors expect to make a charging decision either Friday or Monday, said Peg McLeish, spokeswoman for the Marion County Prosecutor's Office.

Star reporter Madeline Buckley contributed to this article. Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.