The Hawai‘i Police Department has charged 46-year-old James Michael Taylor of Volcano with sexual assault.

Just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2021, Puna patrol officers responded to a report of a sexual assault in the Volcano area. Officers contacted a 57-year-old female who reported that she heard a dog barking outside her residence and upon going to check on it, she was tackled to the ground and sexually assaulted by a man.

While conducting checks of the surrounding area, officers located the man sleeping in the bushes on a neighboring vacant lot a short distance from the victim’s residence. Taylor was arrested without incident.

Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 46 year-old James Michael Taylor, also known as, Alex Daniel Mejia Taylor of Volcano was charged with six offenses related to an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of April 11, 2021.

As the Complaint alleges, Taylor is charged with two counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree, and one count each of Attempted Sexual Assault in the First Degree, Sexual Assault in the Third Degree,

Kidnapping, and Assault in the Third Degree. Taylor remains in custody in lieu of $187,000.00 bail. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on April 13, 2021. The lead investigator is Detective Corina McLellan, Hawai’i County Police Department, Juvenile Aid Section.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala, Supervisor of the Sexual Assault Unit.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

“The filing of these charges reflects the seriousness of Hawai’i County law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to protect our community from these types of offenders and their acts of violence. We would like to remind the public that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time when we encourage everyone to show support for survivors and raise community awareness to prevent sexual assault, harassment, and abuse,” said Prosecuting Attorney Waltjen.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai’i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.