Beatrice man receives prison term for child pornography

BEATRICE – A 46-year-old Beatrice man has been ordered to serve a prison term and register as a convicted sex offender.
Eric Taylor was sentenced in Gage County District Court Wednesday, to 15-to-18 years in state prison term for possession of child pornography. A more serious charge of first-degree sexual assault of a child was dismissed. Taylor’s attorney, Timothy Nelson, said Taylor denied that violation occurred, but admitted to the pornography possession violation. He cited a behavioral evaluation.

"He's not a danger to society. He needs to have continued counseling....but this is not a predator....which is what I was concerned about."

Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner said Taylor’s criminal history dating back to 1995 includes other state prison terms…and the defendant fits the description of a habitual criminal.

"A habitual criminal enhancement has not been requested in this matter, but that does not change the reality."

Schreiner said Taylor scored as a high risk in most every category measured by state probation. Taylor received credit off his prison term for 262 days spent in custody. He must also register as a convicted sex offender and will be on a 25-year registration requirement.

Law officers, during an October warrant search last year, seized cell phones and laptop computers from Taylor. One of the phones had child pornography images.