Nov 14, 2002 By Patty Shultz 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A father charged with endangering the welfare of his infant son was released from jail Wednesday after he was unable to secure legal representation for a scheduled hearing in the matter. “You’ve done everything you were suppose to do,” District Justice Ronald Haggerty told James Taylor Jr. during the brief hearing. “I’m going to have you released from jail until this matter is resolved.”

Taylor, 19, of 105 Greely Alley was incarcerated Friday in Fayette County Prison after he allegedly had his 4-month-old son out of doors for approximately 20 minutes without proper clothing.

According to the criminal complaint, police were dispatched to the Greely Alley residence in response to a domestic call placed by Taylor’s father.

The elder Taylor told police that he and his son had a dispute and that his son left the residence with the infant. After conducting a search of the area, police found James Taylor Jr. with the child, who was clothed in a pair of pajamas, one sock and a blanket.

After his incarceration, Taylor told Haggerty he had filled out a request form to see a member of the Fayette County Public Defender’s Office, but had not been contacted by the office prior to his scheduled hearing.

Haggerty verified that Taylor had submitted the paperwork to the county agency, but was informed that no one from the office had been able to meet with him in the interim due to the weekend and holiday.

“I can’t say this is your fault,” said Haggerty of the absence of legal counsel.

Haggerty instructed James Taylor Jr. to contact the county office and secure counsel for a preliminary hearing he would reschedule for Nov. 21.