A Nevada elementary school teacher is behind bars and charged with several counts of s3xual ass@ult after she allegedly confessed to having s3xually abused a younger female relative over decades, in addition to confessing to having inappropriate contact with at least 12 other children, some as young as two.
According to the WCSO, Taji Hillson, 62, was arrested and booked in the Washoe County Jail on July 2.
Among some of the major charges leveled against her are; sexual assault of a child under the age of 14, lewdness with a child and sexual assault. She is bonded at 5 million dollars.
The case was revealed in April 2025, when an adult woman, who is a relative of Hillson, reported the case to the police within the jurisdiction of the Reno Police Department (RPD), claiming that during her childhood and even adulthood, Hillson was sexually abusing her.
As cited in police reports, the woman claims to have experienced waking up as a child with the feelings of sexual pleasure and frequently with Hillson hovering over her.
Later the victim submitted text messages and a written letter of apology by Hillson in which Hillson seemed to admit her abusive behavior.
Alleged confession and Police interview
On June 25, police interviewed Hillson. In the interrogation, she is said to have confessed to drugging the girl which would sometimes involve putting Benadryl in her food, in order to put her to sleep and then touching her sexually.
Stunningly, Hillson also supposedly acknowledged that the abuse extended to the adulthood of the victim even after she went home after college in 2014.
In a troubling declaration, Hillson is said to have told the investigators that she abused since she never felt noticed and wanted to be near someone.
Hillson also admitted to fondling a 2-year old neighbor at a local pool in the past few years as well as fondling a dozen of other children over the years. Family members were said to have made up many of the victims.
Work History and School Reaction
According to the school records, Hillson was teaching at Roy Gomm Elementary School in Reno since September 2022, and stayed there until June 13, 2025.
At the time of the first report, she was still working.
Police have recognised that with the present information no evidence can be identified that Hillson abused any students in her time as a teacher in the elementary school.
But the Reno Gazette Journal notified that the law enforcement and school officials are further investigating on her background.
As of Sunday, July 13, Washoe County School District has not made a statement publicly regarding the case, although local parents have appeared on social media concerned and shocked, asking the county to be more transparent and provide more protection to the students.
Court and Statement of the Prosecutor
On July 10, the District Attorney Office of Washoe County filed criminal charges against Hillson. District Attorney Chris Hicks was outraged but committed to justice by stating strongly:
The charges filed today manifest my commitment to ensure the continued safety of children in our community and to do everything I can to vigorously prosecute and imprison those people who engage in a sexual crime with children.”
He carried on to say that the accusations in this case are incredibly disturbing. They presently entail two victims one of whom is a toddler.
I praise the exceptional strength of the adult victim who spoke out. Her courageous effort has enabled us to demand justice and prevent others, who may have suffered.
The office of the DA has also urged other possible victims or witnesses to step forward who would get the assurance of confidentiality and assistance.
Community Effect and Continuous Research
The graphic aspects of the case have shaken the Reno community especially the parents and teachers.
Mental health professionals and child advocacy groups have pointed to the need to be trauma-informed to any survivors related to the case.
Hillson, a first-time offender, is in the custody awaiting a prosecution of what can be a far-reaching case. Operatives have affirmed that they are still probing other possible victims and cases associated to her purported activities.
Hillson has not pleaded guilty yet. Her next hearing in court is planned to take place in late July 2025.
Further comment has been not issued by the Reno Police Department and District Attorney Office in addition to official press releases but the Department and Office has assured citizens of its treating the case with the most serious consideration.
