James D. Taylor Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide

Joe Lyons • May 29, 2024

Taylor Pleads Not Guilty; Bond Set at $100,000

James D. Taylor has been charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a second-degree felony, in connection with the death of 12-year-old Tye David Miezejewski. The charges stem from an incident on May 24, 2024, in which Taylor, while operating a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, allegedly caused Miezejewski’s death.

James D. Taylor

In a video bond hearing yesterday at 2:30 PM, Taylor, represented by Attorney Patrick Farrell, appeared before Ashland County Court of Common Pleas, Magistrate Paul T. Lange. Ashland Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Tunnell represented the State of Ohio. Taylor entered a plea of not guilty.

Magistrate Lange set Taylor’s bond at $100,000, which can be met through a surety bond, a bond secured by real estate or securities, or a cash deposit. The bond conditions include several strict requirements:

Taylor must not use, consume, or possess any drugs of abuse or alcohol, and he will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing at his own expense. The use of any product containing THC is prohibited while he is on bond.

Taylor is required to seek a drug/alcohol assessment from a properly credentialed addiction treatment professional and comply with the recommended treatment plan. He must make an appointment and provide verification to the court within fourteen days of posting bond.

He will be subject to passive monitoring through Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) tracking and must comply with all associated terms and conditions. He is prohibited from entering any GPS exclusion zones and must adhere to curfew restrictions from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM at his approved residence.

Taylor is barred from operating any motor vehicle.

He is also prohibited from having any contact, direct or indirect, with members of the victim’s family.

Magistrate Lange has scheduled a preliminary hearing for this case on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM via video.