A Linton businessman was arrested Aug. 19 on preliminary charges of child molesting-fondling or touching a child under 14 and two preliminary charges of inappropriate communication with a child.

Sixty-two-year-old Mark Elson Taylor, of Linton, who owns Mini Miner Golf in Linton’s Humphreys Park, was released later the same day after posting bond. His bond was set at $11,000 surety with 10 percent allowed. He posted $1,100 and was released.

According to a probable cause affidavit written by Det. Shawn Cullison of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, a report was made to the Department of Child Services on July 28 regarding Taylor and a 13-year-old female. The victim reported he inappropriately touched her and showed her how to put a condom on a phallic symbol.

An interview with the victim took place on July 29 at Susie’s Place in Terre Haute. During the interview, she wrote down that while riding on a Ranger, Taylor placed his hand up her shirt and fondled her breast. During this time, they were driving around cornfields, according to the victim and no one else was around. Taylor allegedly had his hand on the victim’s breast for about five minutes.

The victim said the incident occured in May 2022 during the last week of school. She said he was a friend of the family and would refer to her as his daughter by choice and she would call him Dad 2.

The victim, who will further be referred to as Victim 1, mentioned another victim during the Susie’s Place interview. Victim 2, also 13 years old, had come to visit from out of town during spring break in March 2022. She said Victim 2 is Taylor’s family member. She said Victim 2 Facetimed her from Taylor’s house. Victim 2 and Taylor were in the video call frame with Taylor demonstrating how to place a condom on a dildo.

Victim 1 said she would visit the putt putt business to get shaved ice. Once after the fondling incident, Taylor asked if she wanted any because he would give it to her for free. He said she would have to kiss him on the lips for payment. Victim 1 stated more than once Taylor referred to him wanting her to kiss him.

Later in the day on July 29, Det. Cullison spoke with Victim 2 and her mother. Victim 2’s mother told Cullison that Taylor had purchased a vibrator for the victim. Victim 2 said he gave it to her while she was visiting during spring break. She also told Cullison he showed her how to put a condom on it.

On Aug. 1, Det. Cullison interviewed Taylor. He denied touching Victim 1. He did; however, admit to showing Victim 2 how to put a condom on. He said he believed Victim 2 later used Facetime to show Victim 1. He admitted it was his idea to show Victim 2 how to put a condom on.

Det. Cullison asked Taylor about requesting kisses for shaved ice. He said the victim had stated she was uncomfortable with it but that he used to give her goodnight kisses on the lips when she stayed the night at his house as recent as within the last year.

Taylor is preliminary being charged with:

Child molesting-fondling or touching a child under 14, a Level 4 Felony
Two counts of two inappropriate communication with a child, a Class B Misdemeanor