February 11, 2026
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced today that Anthony Dewayne Taylor, 46, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for Sexual Performance of a Child. Taylor, a career criminal and confirmed gang member, sexually abused a child across multiple states and multiple cities in Texas.
The Crime
After being paroled on a drug trafficking charge from Oklahoma in 2020, Taylor reconnected with the victim’s family and gained access to the child. Taylor began abusing the child when she was just 14 years old and continued until she was 16 years old. This abuse occurred in multiple states and multiple cities across Texas.
In October 2022, Taylor was arrested for Murder in Oklahoma City and was held there in jail awaiting trial. Taylor ultimately pled guilty to murder in December 2024 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison (followed by 20 years parole). While awaiting trial, Taylor made numerous calls to the child from jail using a recorded line. Taylor directed the child to engage in lewd acts while the child was living in Collin County, leading to the sexual performance charges.
The Investigation
In December 2022, the child bravely out-cried to her family about the ongoing abuse, and her family reported the abuse to the Frisco Police Department. The child was interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center, where she provided details about the abuse and calls. Frisco Detective Kim Pruitt secured evidence at Taylor’s house consistent with the child’s description of abuse. Detective Pruitt also coordinated with the Oklahoma City Police Department to obtain the recorded jail calls.
The Verdict and Sentence
After hearing the evidence, a Collin County jury found Taylor guilty of Sexual Performance of a Child. During the punishment phase of trial, the jurors heard testimony about Taylor’s criminal history going all the way back to 1999, including the details of Taylor’s murder conviction. Due to his prior felony conviction, Taylor faced a punishment range of 5 to 99 years or life in prison. The jury sentenced Taylor to life in prison and assessed a $10,000 fine. Judge Richard Davis presided.
Statement from DA Greg Willis
“This convicted murderer continued to prey on a child even from behind bars. A Collin County jury saw the full picture and delivered the only sentence that protects the public and our children – life in prison,” said Willis following the verdict.
Prosecution Team
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Anthony D’Amore and Claire Mosley prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman and Victim Assistance Coordinator Jill Moore.
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