PAINTSVILLE – A former Magoffin County Schools teacher was found not guilty after a two-day jury trial in Johnson County.
Anthony Taulbee, 49, of Middle Fork Road, in Salyersville, appeared in Johnson County Circuit Court on Monday, March 18 and 19 as a jury heard his case, in which he was facing two counts of third-degree rape (Class D felonies) and third-degree sodomy (Class D felony), inevitably finding him not guilty of the charges.
At press time, the order from the judge in the Johnson County case has not been available to the public, but the SI will report if any other information is released.
However, Taulbee is still facing similar charges in Magoffin, with the trial in that case currently set for April 2, to be seen in front of Special Judge James W. Craft in Letcher County Circuit Courtroom.
Taulbee was first indicted in Magoffin County Circuit Court in July 2023 and charged with one count of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree rape, both Class D felonies. According to the indictment, on or about March 1 through June 1, 2018, Taulbee allegedly subjected another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.
On or about March 1 through August 12, 2018, he is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with another person less than 18 years old and while he was a person in a position of authority or special trust.
In 2018 when the crimes were alleged to have occurred, Taulbee was employed by Magoffin County Schools and was a high school criminal justice teacher.
Taulbee is currently out on bond.
Editor’s Note: The indictment or charge of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
