Two men have been indicted and charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse related to incidents that allegedly occurred between 1994 and 1996. John Taggart, 80, a former priest, and Christopher Crisona, 57, a teacher, face several felony charges following an investigation into claims of abuse at St. Thomas the Apostle School and other locations.
Attorney General Jennings stated, "The State’s indictment alleges a pattern of gravely serious abuse against a juvenile by two adults in a position of trust." Jennings added that these cases are challenging but necessary to pursue for justice for the victim who endured significant trauma over several years. The Attorney General expressed gratitude towards the police, prosecutors, and social workers involved in the investigation.
Taggart was identified after an anonymous report was made to the Diocese of Wilmington. The Wilmington Police Department's investigation found evidence suggesting Taggart abused a victim during their time at St. Thomas and continued after they left for high school. Taggart served as a priest at St. Thomas from 1987 to 1998 before being transferred to other parishes until his resignation from active ministry in 2004. He currently resides in Georgia.
Crisona is accused of abusing the same victim while working as a teacher at St. Thomas during the mid-1990s. Following complaints from students, he was removed from his position and later worked at various schools before becoming an elementary school teacher in Florida.
Taggart faces charges including Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and multiple counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse among others. Crisona is charged with similar offenses including Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.
Both men maintain their presumption of innocence as legal proceedings continue. The Department of Justice is seeking additional potential victims due to the nature of these allegations and urges anyone with information to contact them via phone or email.