Former Durham Police Officer Arrested for Sexual Assault While On-Duty

DURHAM, NC – Former Durham Police Officer Rayshawn Taylor has been arrested Monday (Sept. 30) on charges related to an alleged sexual assault while on duty. The arrest follows an investigation by the Durham Police Department (DPD), along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On August 21, 2024, the DPD received a complaint from a community member regarding inappropriate conduct by Taylor. Preliminary findings suggested a sexual assault occurred during an interaction between Taylor and the complainant while he was on duty. Taylor was placed on administrative duty immediately but resigned the following day before the internal investigation concluded.

The DPD’s Criminal Investigations Division launched a criminal investigation, notifying the FBI and the Durham County District Attorney’s Office due to the severity of the allegations. On August 30, 2024, District Attorney Satana Deberry requested that the SBI join the investigation. 

On September 30, 2024, warrants were issued for Taylor’s arrest on charges of First Degree Kidnapping, Sexual Servitude, and Sexual Battery. Earlier today, he was arrested in Mebane, North Carolina, and a search warrant was executed at his residence. The FBI investigation is ongoing.

A press conference will be held at 1:15 p.m. today at the Durham Police Headquarters. 

Anyone with additional information or who may have experienced Taylor’s inappropriate conduct is urged to contact Corporal I. Harton of the Special Victims Unit at 919-560-4440, ext. 29332.