FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A former Fort Pierce city commissioner posted bail and was released from jail Friday, nearly a month after his arrest on 24 counts of felony crimes involving child exploitation.
James Taylor, 38, of Fort Pierce, whose term in office was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis, refused to answer questions from WPTV as he walked out of jail into an awaiting car.
WATCH BELOW: Former commissioner posts bail, released from jail
Taylor's bond was set at $360,000 following his arrest in July.
He is due back in court on Sept. 29 for an arraignment on the charges.
Taylor, who was elected commissioner in 2024, is accused of having sexually explicit online conversations with a 12-year-old Illinois girl that included allegedly sending multiple nude images to the minor.
It's estimated that a special election to fill his District 2 seat will cost the city about $60,000.
Read more of WPTV's coverage of Taylor's arrest below:
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Fort Pierce to move forward with special election after arrest of commissioner
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Special election to replace ousted commissioner will cost this much
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'Stop the bleed': Elected officials aim to oust city commissioner after arrest
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Fort Pierce city commissioner arrested in child exploitation case
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‘TRAGIC DAY': Officials, business owners react to arrest of city commissioner
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'CITY NEEDS TO DO BETTER': Commissioner decries colleague's arrest
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