The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Terry L. Taylor of Sisters has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex abuse and violating a restraining order.

According to Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan, a trial on 37 counts of sex abuse, including nine felonies, has been set for July 9.

Dugan said that a separate trial on violating a restraining order is scheduled for July 23. Dugan said those alleged violations were for calls to his wife and sending her roses.

In the meantime, prosecutors and defense attorneys will continue to negotiate. Dugan said the prosecution is unlikely to deal away the more serious charges.

"Three are Measure 11 offenses, with a mandatory minimum of 75 months in prison, with no time off for good behavior and no early release," he said. "Voters in Deschutes County have supported Measure 11, which gives me a public policy direction (to pursue prosecution).

"Our job is to find a way to obtain justice for the victims and community and we will go to trial if necessary," Dugan said.

Dugan emphasized, however, that Taylor "is presumed innocent" until he is found guilty. Dugan pointed out that Taylor has not had a chance to provide a legal defense to the allegations.