Dexter Taylor is a 52-year-old software engineer and father from Brooklyn, New York who is currently serving a ten-year sentence in prison for manufacturing his own firearms – a pursuit he undertook after legally purchasing the parts online.
He recently sat for an interview with RedState to discuss life in prison, his legal case, and the Second Amendment. Despite his incarceration, Taylor remains resolute and passionate about his fight to secure his freedom.
During the conversation, Taylor opened up about his efforts to adapt to life in prison. To put it simply, he has been keeping busy. "I've been doing a lot of reading and a lot of praying and a lot of working out. That's the bulk of my routine," he told RedState.
Taylor secured a job in the prison’s garment factory. "I actually had a job in the industry, in the on-site garment factory. That was very interesting. I got trained on some machines I've never heard of, and got to actually participate in making the garments that we wear," he said.
However, he has since been rotated out and is preparing for a different role in the school building within the facility.
Taylor discussed how exercise has helped him cope with his incarceration.
"Lifting weights is great for that. Because when you really start to push yourself, things tend to narrow down quite significantly." He added, "I'm fortunate that I grew up an only child in that sense because I'm used to being by myself."
When he is not exercising or working, Taylor passes the time by reading and writing.
"Now that I'm in a situation where I've got some physical books, I've got paper I can write, and I've got electronic books on here as well. I'm good to go," he explained.
Taylor was convicted in May following a 2022 SWAT raid on his home by a joint ATF/NYPD task force. Vinoo Varghese, Taylor’s attorney, criticized the judge’s handling of the case during a podcast appearance, saying she expressly prohibited the mention of the Second Amendment during the proceedings. “She told us, ‘Do not bring the Second Amendment into this courtroom. It doesn’t exist here,’” Varghese recounted.
Taylor discussed his frustration with the legal system and the infringement on his Second Amendment rights. “My only real complaint is that I’m here in the first place,” he told RedState. “That’s it. I shouldn’t be here, and that’s the fault of the people running New York State.”
The engineer continued, affirming his rights as a United States citizen. "Am I a citizen or not? Am I only three-fifths of a citizen? See, I don't think so. I am a whole citizen of the United States of America,” he argued.
Taylor added: "People, of all colors, but especially Black folks... fought and died and got their heads beaten in... so I have to walk this earth like a citizen, like a man."
He expressed indignation at being treated as a criminal despite being a “peaceful, law-abiding citizen." Taylor had no criminal record before his conviction.
When asked whether he would have done anything differently if he knew this would be the outcome, Taylor was emphatic in his response. “Hell no,” he declared. “I can say that with 150 percent confidence.”
The prosecution offered Taylor a plea deal to serve less time for the offense if he pleaded guilty. “No thank you to your plea deals,” he said. “Go pound sand with your plea deals.”
Despite his circumstances, Taylor remains optimistic about the future. He and his attorney are working on his appeal.
He affirmed that he is not only fighting for his own rights, but for all United States citizens. "This is really the fight of our lives... not just as Conservatives, as citizens, because it’s about far more than this case alone,” Taylor said.
Dexter Taylor’s case is more than one legal battle, it is a fight for the freedoms that the Constitution is supposed to protect. His fight is everyone’s fight, and he is prepared to take this battle as high as the Supreme Court if necessary.
In order to get to the first phase of the appeal process, Taylor will need financial support. His family created a GiveSendGo campaign to help with his legal fees as he continues his struggle for justice.
If you would like to know more about the details of Taylor’s case, you can find more article and an interview with his lawyer below:
Brooklyn Man's Gun Hobby Leads to a SWAT Raid and a Harrowing Legal Fight for His Freedom
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