Taji Hillson admits to drugging victims and abusing children over decades; bail set at $5 million
A former substitute physical education teacher in Nevada has been charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse, including the abuse of minors, following disturbing allegations and her own confession during police questioning.
Taji Hillson, 62, who worked at Roy Gomm Elementary School in the Washoe County School District from September 2022 to June 2025, was arrested on July 2 and is currently being held on $5 million bail, according to public records from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
What led to the arrest?
The case came to light after an adult female relative reported Hillson to authorities on April 30, alleging that the former teacher had drugged her with Benadryl and sexually abused her repeatedly, beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood.
The victim presented text messages in which Hillson admitted to the abuse, including drugging and inappropriate touching. Over the next two months, the victim filed four additional complaints, each with more text-based admissions implicating Hillson in the abuse of other children as well.
Charges filed
According to arrest records and local reports, Hillson is currently facing the following charges:
- One count of sexual assault against a minor under 14
- One count of sexual assault
- Three counts of lewdness with a minor under 14
Authorities believe this may only be the beginning of a broader criminal investigation involving more victims.
Hillson’s admissions
During a June 25 police interview, Hillson reportedly admitted to drugging and sexually abusing her cousin, including incidents involving penetration that began when the victim was around eight years old. She also confessed to continuing the abuse even when the relative returned home from college in 2014.
In the same interview, Hillson admitted to touching a neighbor’s two-year-old child inappropriately at a public pool. She claimed to have sexually abused at least a dozen children, most of them family members.
According to the police report, Hillson stated she committed these acts because she had “never felt seen” and wanted to feel close to others—an explanation that has horrified both law enforcement and the public.
Pattern of abuse
Authorities are now investigating what appears to be a longstanding and deeply disturbing pattern of abuse involving vulnerable children within Hillson’s personal and professional circles. While no allegations have emerged from her time as a substitute teacher in the Washoe County School District, investigators are working to