Stevie Lynn Taylor was sentenced to 75 years in state prison after day-long proceedings in Judge Brad McCampbell’s 402nd District Court last Thursday. 

Taylor was also fined $10,000. Charges against Taylor were for tampering with a witness-family violence with a previous family violence conviction.

Josh Davis, formerly of the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, now on staff at Hopkins County, worked the case and testified.

Several other witnesses testified including the victim, District Attorney Investigator Jerry Hirsch, Wood County Deputy Andrew Rapp and family members of the victim.

Davis had arrested Taylor on the assault-family violence charges and also located calls made from the Wood County jail by Taylor threatening the victim concerning the case. Taylor had a prior felony conviction which enhanced the penalty from second-degree to first-degree felony. 

Wood County District Attorney Angela Albers and first assistant Brandon Baade tried the case. Attorney Logan Sawyer represented the defendant.

During the trial, Baade scolded Taylor for speaking to the victim in the hallway of the courtroom. Baade said Taylor passed by the victim and said, “Hey baby girl.” Baade made it clear Taylor was not to speak to anyone other than his attorney, and it was inappropriate for him to speak to the victim.

Former Wood County Assistant District Attorney Joey Fenlaw and county victim coordinator Kiki Bettis spent hours with the victim to prepare for her testimony. 

The victim testified about being beaten by the defendant on many occasions. Photographs of the victim’s injuries were submitted as evidence. The victim’s mother testified she felt her daughter was in danger living with the defendant. She said her family would only feel safe if Taylor would be locked up. She added she believed her daughter still does and will suffer from emotional trauma caused by the assaults by Taylor.

In a news release, Albers stated, “The Wood County Sheriff’s Department worked this important case very well. I am grateful for the hard work and heart that Investigator Davis (Josh) put into this case,” Albers noted. “I believe the tough sentence was deserved and hopefully will provide some closure for the victim and her family.”