Jared Foundation's ex-director faces federal child porn charges

This story originally appeared on IndyStar.com on Monday, May 4, 2015.

The former Jared Foundation executive director who was arrested last week on child pornography allegations is now facing federal charges.

Russell Taylor, 43, was formally charged Monday afternoon on seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Taylor was arrested Wednesday by the Indiana State Police on suspicion of nine possible felony charges of child pornography, child exploitation and voyeurism. Taylor was not formally charged at the county level, and the Marion County prosecutor's office on Monday filed a notice of intent not to file charges.

Tim Horty, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, said Taylor would be subject to harsher penalties at the federal level if he is found guilty of the crimes.

Taylor's initial hearing was conducted Monday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.

ISP detectives began investigating Taylor after a tip was received from an acquaintance of Taylor's, according to court documents.

A woman was exchanging texts of a sexual nature with Taylor when he asked if she wanted to see pictures of young girls, court documents said. 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 and found over 400 videos of child pornography on computers and storage media, which were recovered from Taylor's home office. According to court documents, four minors have been identified as the victims in the case.

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 money to support childhood obesity programs.

After Taylor's arrest Fogle issued a statement that said he was "shocked" over the allegations and that the foundation was "severing all ties" with Taylor.

Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.