FORT PIERCE, Fla. — City officials and business owners say they are surprised to learn that a Fort Pierce city commissioner was arrested in connection to a multi-state child exploitation investigation.
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James Taylor, 38, of Fort Pierce, was arrested Thursday morning after a traffic stop.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff's office said the investigation began in August 2024 when Evanston, Illinois, police received a report from the mother of a 13-year-old girl. The mother said her daughter, who was 12 years old when the communications began, had been contacted by a man via Snapchat.
"Over time, the conversations became sexually explicit, and the suspect allegedly sent multiple nude images to the minor," according to the sheriff's office.
Fort Pierce City Commissioner Michael Broderick said he is "dumbfounded" by Taylor's arrest.
"It's a tragic day for the families that are involved, it's a tragic day for the city of Fort Pierce," he said. "We have to keep in mind the victim in this, that's the most important thing at this point, but it's just another 'black eye' for the city of Fort Pierce."
WATCH BELOW: St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office announces arrest of Fort Pierce city commissioner
Broderick said the city needs to improve and make changes following the incident.
"Fort Pierce needs to do better and we are going to do better and I'm going to be part of the leadership to get that done," he said.
Business owners in Fort Pierce said they are disgusted by the allegations and expressed concern for the victim.
"It's sick. It's sick to my stomach," Michael King, of MK Computers, said.
"My first response was concern for the victim," Rick Reed, of Sweeties, said.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR FORT PIERCE CITY COMMISSION
It is unclear what the next steps are for the city commission, however, Broderick is urging Taylor to resign "immediately."
"If it was less than six months to the next election, the city commission would have the ability to appoint a replacement. We're outside of that six month timeline, we're about three and quarter years out, so it's going to call for either his resignation, or his removal from office by the governor, which will then trigger the necessity for a special election," he said. "We need his resignation immediately. He needs to put this in the rearview mirror right now and move forward."
The city of Fort Pierce released the following statement regarding Taylor's arrest:
The City of Fort Pierce is aware of the recent arrest of Commissioner James Taylor. We understand that this development may raise concerns within our community, and we want to reassure our residents that we remain committed to serving the public with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
While this matter is serious, it is important to recognize that the City Commission operates as a unified governing body. City functions will continue without disruption. Our dedicated staff remains focused on delivering essential services, maintaining public trust, and upholding the mission and values that guide the City of Fort Pierce.
As this is an active investigation, and in the interest of respecting due process, the City will not be issuing further comment at this time. Any inquiries or questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. We thank our community for its continued understanding, support, and patience.
Taylor, who was elected in 2024, is currently in custody at the St. Lucie County jail. His bond was set at $250,000.
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