ROME, N.Y. — A 47-year-old Rome man charged has been arrested after an investigation by the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center into allegations involving a child under 17, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office said Jeffrey Taylor was taken into custody on Oct. 5, 2026, and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, both Class A misdemeanors. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Taylor is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Investigation began in September

According to Chief Deputy Derrick O’Meara, director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, the investigation began Sept. 15. The case was assigned to Investigator Dillenbeck of the Child Advocacy Center.

Investigators allege Taylor had inappropriate physical and electronic contact with a female child younger than 17. The Sheriff’s Office did not release the child’s age or identifying information, and Utica Phoenix is withholding any details that could identify a minor in a case involving alleged misconduct.

Authorities said Investigator Dillenbeck and Investigator Brognano located Taylor at his residence on Oct. 5 and took him into custody.

Two misdemeanor charges filed

Taylor was lodged at the Oneida County Correctional Facility while awaiting arraignment on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Under New York law, endangering the welfare of a child is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

The Sheriff’s Office release did not provide details about Taylor’s arraignment, plea, attorney or next court date. Utica Phoenix could not independently verify those details from the information available at the time of publication.

Child Advocacy Center offers services

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office said services were offered to the child through the Child Advocacy Center. Authorities also requested an order of protection on the child’s behalf.

The Oneida County Child Advocacy Center works with law enforcement and other agencies on cases involving allegations of child abuse and related crimes. The Sheriff’s Office lists the center as part of its law-enforcement services and provides a public contact number for the program.

“Services have been offered to the victim by the Child Advocacy Center, and an Order of Protection was requested on behalf of the victim,” the Sheriff’s Office said in its Oct. 5 release.

What is known — and what remains unclear

The Sheriff’s Office has publicly confirmed the arrest, the two charges, the date the investigation began and the involvement of the Child Advocacy Center. The agency has not released a detailed account of the alleged contact, and doing so could risk exposing information about a minor.

At this stage, the case is an allegation. An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt. The prosecution would have to prove the charges in court beyond a reasonable doubt if the case proceeds to trial.

Protecting children and reporting concerns

Cases involving children can be difficult for families and communities. Readers should avoid sharing rumors, identifying information or speculation about a child connected to an investigation. Information that could identify a minor can spread quickly online and may cause additional harm.

Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger should call 911. Concerns about suspected child abuse or maltreatment can also be reported through appropriate state and local authorities.

Source: Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. This story is based on an official law-enforcement release. Utica Phoenix will update the report if additional verified information becomes available.