Correctional Officer Caught Watching Porn on Cell Phone with Detainees: Charges

A Cook County Jail correctional officer was arrested after he was seen watching porn on a cell phone with inmates inside the jail, authorities say.

Oscar Taylor, 53, of Oak Park, was assigned to monitor detainees receiving haircuts in the Division 6 barbershop when the Sheriff’s Office of Professional Review started investigating reports of contraband in early July, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

An investigator saw through live surveillance as Taylor and two detainees watched pornographic videos on Taylor’s cell phone, though electronic devices aren’t allowed inside the jail.

Taylor is charged with three counts of unauthorized bringing of contraband into a penal institution, a class X felony, and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a class 4 felony, the sheriff’s office reported.

He also faces charges for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for carrying an uncased revolver near ammunition.

Taylor’s Firearm Owner Identification Card had been revoked because of an unrelated off-duty incident, but investigators found a gun in his car.

Taylor was booked Aug. 5, and he resigned from his position as a correctional officer after his arrest. He had been employed by the sheriff’s office for 22 years. He was released on electronic monitoring after appearing in bond court Wednesday morning.

The two inmates who received electronic devices from Taylor are William Taylor, no relation, 27, and Tyrone Noel, 39. They have each been charged with possession of contraband, a class 1 felony.

Photo: (top): Oscar Taylor (left): Tyrone Noel (right): William Taylor