Reno, Nevada– An elementary school teacher who is 62 years old has been arrested and charged with several counts of child sexual abuse. These charges include allegations that the instructor drugged and assaulted a female relative over the course of several decades, in addition to allegations that the defendant sexually abused at least a dozen additional children, including an infant.
Teacher Arrested and Pended on a Bail of $5 Million
The following charges were brought against Taji Hillson, who was lodged into the Washoe County Jail on July 2:
- The charge of sexual assault against a child under the age of 14
- At least one instance of sexual assault
- Lewdness with a kid under the age of 14 on three separate counts
Information obtained from the records of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office indicates that her bond has been set at $5 million.
An adult victim divulged shocking information about the incident.
A complaint was submitted to the Reno Police Department on April 30 by an adult female victim who stated that she had been mistreated by Hillson since she was a child. The victim is reportedly related to Hillson and financially dependent on her. As she explained:
- The sensation of being medicated while sleeping, and upon waking up, discovering Hillson looming over her
- The act of receiving a letter from Hillson expressing regret for the mistreatment
- According to the allegations, Hillson acknowledged to drugging and groping her in a series of text exchanges.
Hillson allegedly admitted to putting Benadryl in the victim’s food in order to put her under a sedative before he proceeded to abuse her, as stated in the police records.
Admission to Abusing Others
Hillson is said to have admitted the following during an interview with the police on June 25:
- Even after the victim had returned from college in 2014, she insisted on continuing the abusive behaviour.
- At a community pool, she made contact with a neighbour who was two years old.
- Over a dozen more youngsters, most of whom were relatives, had been touched in an inappropriate manner by her.
There is no indication that she abused her children during the period that she worked as a teacher at Roy Gomm Elementary School, according to the officials, despite the fact that she was employed there between September 2022 and June 2025.
Response from the District Attorney
On July 10, Washoe District Attorney Chris Hick confirmed the charges, stating:
“The filing of these charges is a representation of my full and unshakeable dedication to the protection of children… The claims are quite upsetting, and they now include two victims, one of which is a little child.
Additionally, he lauded the bravery of the adult victim, referring to her disclosure as “a brave act that has allowed us to seek justice and protect others.”
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, support is available.
Text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line.
