Contempt Charge for Violating Protection Order

Although an order of protection had been issued in early February by East Hampton Town Justice Steven Tekulsky requiring a Springs woman to avoid threatening or intimidating her daughter, police were called to the Montgomery Avenue residence they share on Feb. 21 after the younger woman reported that her mother had again flown into a rage and banged on her bedroom door while screaming and cursing. 

Margaret Taylor, 69, was charged with criminal contempt for violating the order, which allows the women to live under the same roof. She was arraigned last Thursday by Justice Tekulsky on the new charge. The order of protection followed a domestic violence incident on Feb. 1, during which the older Ms. Taylor hurled several picture frames at her daughter, Meghan Taylor, who is physically challenged, causing injuries and destroying the frames. The older woman was charged with criminal mischief as a misdemeanor for allegedly destroying the frames and harassment, a violation, for allegedly striking her daughter. She was released the next morning without bail.

To emphasize the seriousness of the family problem, and the repeated Feb. 21 charges, Justice Tekulsky set bail at $1,000, which was posted by William  Taylor, the defendant’s husband and the father of their daughter. Before she was released, however, Justice Tekulsky, who has recused himself from Ms. Taylor’s case other than to serve at the arraignment, warned her to avoid any more incidents with the daughter. Yesterday, Justice Lisa R. Rana modified the order of protections. As of now Margaret Taylor may not return to the house unless accompanied by town police.