Police investigate rape allegation against Rockaway nonprofit founder

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The NYPD’s Special Victim’s Unit is investigating allegations of rape and abuse by Rockaway Youth Task Force founder Milan Taylor. Eagle file photo by David Brand

The NYPD’s Special Victim’s Unit is investigating allegations of rape and abuse by Rockaway Youth Task Force founder Milan Taylor. Eagle file photo by David Brand

By David Brand

Detectives from the NYPD’s Special Victims Division are investigating allegations of rape and abuse leveled against the founder of an influential Rockaway youth organization with deep political ties, the Eagle has learned.

The probe began after a former top staff member for the organization Rockaway Youth Task Force accused the group’s founding executive director, Milan Taylor, of raping her when she was 17.

“Milan Taylor groomed, manipulated, gaslighted, bullied, harassed, sexually, emotionally, and verbally abused me,” said Andrea Colon, a former community engagement organizer for RYTF, in posts on Twitter and Facebook. “At the age of 17, on February 24th, 2018, after midnight at the RYTF Office, Milan Taylor gave me alcohol and raped me despite my pleas.”

Two detectives from the NYPD’s Queens Special Victims Unit told the Eagle that they are investigating that allegation, but would not say how many complaints have been filed. 

NYPD spokesperson Sergeant Edward Riley said the NYPD “takes sexual assault and rape cases extremely seriously, and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so we can perform a comprehensive investigation, and offer support and services to survivors.”

Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson, a former staffer at the Rockaway Youth Task Force, said he has also spoken with officials from the Queens DA’s Office and the captain of the 101st Precinct about the case. 

“The allegations overwhelmed me with agonizing sadness,” Anderson said in a statement. 

“Our office has been actively working with law enforcement to investigate the reported allegations, and we are committed to continue that cooperation to see that justice is done,” he added.

A spokesperson for Queens DA Melinda Katz said the office does not confirm nor deny ongoing investigations. The 101st Precinct referred questions to the Queens Special Victims division.

Since Colon and another former staff member, Tamera Jacobs, came forward to accuse Taylor of assault and abuse, several other female staff members have responded on Facebook and Twitter with their own accounts of intimidation and abuse. It is unclear if any have filed police reports.

Colon and Jacobs have not responded to messages seeking comment.

The allegations are not the first time Taylor has been accused of assaulting a RYTF staff member.

He was arrested and charged with attacking a woman inside the RYTF office in 2014 and accepted a disorderly conduct plea deal offered by Queens prosecutors. Taylor was ordered to complete an eight-week anger management course.

He continued to lead the organization after the offense and the conviction, building connections with local elected officials and mobilizing a related political action committee behind candidates like Anderson and State Sen. James Sanders. Taylor has also worked closely with the Working Families Party and various progressive groups in the borough in recent years.

Since its founding by Taylor in 2011, Rockaway Youth Task Force has grown from a community organizing group to a local powerhouse, receiving large foundations grants while advocating for the needs of young people of color in Far Rockaway, Arverne and surrounding neighborhoods.

RYTF has promoted past and current members, like Anderson, for elected office and community board seats. Taylor previously served on Queens Community Board 14 following his first nomination by Sanders, then a councilmember. 

Colon and Jacobs are current members of CB14.

Taylor referred questions to his attorneys, who disputed the allegation.

“So far we’ve seen a massive online public relations push — but no corroborating evidence of any rape,” said attorney Jeffrey Lichtman, whose past clients include Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and John Gotti Jr. “No immediate visit to the police. No hospital visit or request for medical attention.”

Lichtman said Colon came forward only after seeking “Taylor’s removal as director of the RYTF and her own unsuccessful elevation to director of the organization, as well as the denial of unemployment benefits and loss of her medical insurance coverage.”

In a statement Dec. 30, RYTF said Taylor has not worked for the organization since October.

Additional reporting by Rachel Vick.