Former Substitute Teacher’s Bail Reduction Bid Continues

A former Washoe County School District (WCSD) substitute employee accused of sexually assaulting children over decades appeared in court on Tuesday, January 27, for a bail hearing where her legal team sought to lower her $5 million bail amount.

Taji Hillson, 62, faces serious felony charges that include one count of sexual assault against a child under 14, one count of sexual assault, and three counts of lewdness with a child under 14. The allegations stem from incidents dating back approximately 20 years, primarily involving family members, according to court documents and police reports from her July 2025 arrest.

During Tuesday’s hearing, multiple family witnesses testified after Hillson’s defense filed a motion to reduce her bail. Prosecutors filed opposition to the request, arguing against any reduction.

Reno Police arrested Hillson in early July 2025 following an investigation that began in May.

Authorities say the primary victim, now an adult family member, came forward on April 30, 2025, with text messages in which Hillson allegedly admitted to drugging the victim with excessive amounts of Benadryl, sometimes two to three times the recommended dose, to “control” her before inappropriately touching her while she slept.

The abuse reportedly occurred frequently from ages 6 to 12 and continued into adulthood after the victim finished college.

Hillson allegedly confessed to similar acts against at least a dozen other children, mostly family members in North Carolina, and to touching a two-year-old boy in recent years. An apology letter that Hillson reportedly placed in the victim’s mailbox further admitted to the drugging.

Hillson worked as a substitute, including as a PE teacher at Roy Gomm Elementary School starting in 2022. The WCSD ended her employment on June 13, 2025.

Police have stated they do not believe there are victims from the school at this time, though investigations continue into possible additional allegations in other jurisdictions.

Her bail was set at $5 million with no 10% cash option following her first court appearance, with conditions including no contact with victims and, if posted, home confinement with GPS monitoring.