On Monday, August 11, 2025, WBRZ reported that all judges of the 19th Judicial District Court (JDC) in Baton Rouge have recused themselves from an obscenity case involving the son of one of their colleagues. The case centers around Nelson Dan Taylor, 45, who was arrested in October 2024 for allegedly exposing himself to a hotel maid at a St. George hotel.
Taylor, the son of 19th JDC Judge Gail Horne Ray, was previously convicted of rape in 1997 and is currently on probation until 2036. Earlier this year, several judges, including Donald Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Eboni Johnson Rose, and Colette Greggs, had recused themselves from the case, citing a conflict of interest due to Judge Ray’s position on the bench. On Monday, Judge Ray also signed a recusal order, and subsequently, all remaining judges followed suit, stating the same conflict of interest concerns.
The incident that led to Taylor’s arrest reportedly occurred when he approached a maid in a hotel while she was cleaning. According to court records, when Taylor requested additional towels, the maid noticed suspicious movements and moved behind her cleaning cart for safety. Moments later, he allegedly emerged from behind the cart, seeking sexual gratification.
Taylor’s criminal history includes multiple rapes that he admitted to committing as a teenager. He was accused of breaking into the homes of six young girls between 1995 and 1996. As part of a plea deal, he received a 50-year prison sentence, with a minimum of 25 years to be served. He is registered as a sex offender.
In response to the recusal of all judges, officials at the 19th JDC stated that the Louisiana Supreme Court will appoint an ad hoc judge to handle the case. Additionally, District Attorney Hillar Moore had already recused himself from the prosecution in November, further complicating the proceedings.
Source: WBRZ
