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A co-founder of the genealogy company Ancestry.com has pleaded guilty to reduced felony charges related to allegations of sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old girl.
Daniel D. Taggart, 51, of Highland, entered guilty pleas to four counts of attempted forcible sexual abuse in Provo's 4th District Court on Wednesday, state court records show.
Taggart faces a punishment of up to five years in prison on each of the third-degree-felony counts when sentenced on Jan. 15, 2016.
Taggart originally was charged with two counts of object rape and one count of forcible sodomy, all first-degree felonies; one count of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse; two counts of third-degree felony dealing in harmful materials to a minor; and two counts of supplying alcohol to a minor, class A misdemeanors.
Court papers say that in early summer 2014, Taggart's daughter had the 15-year-old friend spend the night at their house, where Taggart supplied the girls with alcohol as they played games, according to charging documents. Taggart gave the alleged victim shot glasses and sex toys as prizes for the games, charges state.
After Taggart's daughter fell asleep, Taggart watched a pornographic video and sexually assaulted the alleged victim, according to the charges.
A short time later, the girl again stayed at Taggart's home, and he again gave her alcohol, played the pornographic video and sexually assaulted her, charges state. Taggart's daughter confirmed details of incidents that occurred while she was awake, according to charges.
The defendant, after being read his Miranda rights, "acknowledged the sleepover and the games, but denied drinking, providing alcohol or any other incriminating act," according to charges.
Taggart, who in 1997 co-founded Ancestry.com, was president for about one year, according to Taggart's LinkedIn profile. A company spokesperson confirmed Monday that Taggart has not been a part of the company "for years."
He also co-founded LDSAudio.com in 2003 and in 1990 co-founded and ran Infobases Inc. for six years, according to LinkedIn.