Chad Taylor Medium.com article, November 6, 2022 Options

[JonSnow]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkoPqO4LE3d/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linked to this:

https://link.medium.com/Ki8a7Di0Jub

[Edited by dangum: added more descriptive thread title]

This post has been edited by dangum: Nov 6 2022, 7:43 pm

[JonSnow]

I was wondering when we'd hear from CT. There was a lot of stuff being lobbed in his direction to just be silent about it all.

[brianblank]

Archiving CT's Medium post here in case it is edited or taken down.

The Reckoning: William T. Hynes
In July 2019, we were days away from launching the ALTimate Tour with LIVE and BUSH. That’s when the disturbing news reached me. My business partner, William T. Hynes, made the front page of the local newspaper, but for all the wrong reasons.

The word rape stood out in the headlines repeating the allegations in the victim’s protection from abuse order. According to the filing, her boss, Bill Hynes, had physically and financially abused the young woman with whom he began a sexual relationship when she was only 20 or 21.


Hynes, accused of rape and physical violence, later pleads no contest to 5 of 13 charges related to abuses against his former female employee.

York CEO tied to rock band Live agrees to protection-from-abuse-order without admission

Bill Hynes, a CEO with ties to the rock band Live and several multi-million-dollar business developments, has been served with a temporary protection-from-abuse order from a former employee who alleges that he raped, strangled, and threatened to kill her.

In court documents, the woman, 25, reported several instances of abuse dating back almost five years, when she began working for him at Think Loud Development.

Among other things, the woman alleged the following in a sworn statement:

On July 8, Hynes sent her a threatening text message that referred to a verse in the Bible, Revelation 6:8: “I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.”

She stated that he told her in the past that he was in the U.S. Army and in combat and “that God had given him the right to kill people.”

Hynes was already a looming distraction in 2019 when I telephoned Chris Hardin, our band’s manager, and expressed that I may have to travel home from the tour to be of service to the victim and our company.

Since a mega crash in one of his earliest Stadium Super Trucks races, Hynes’ behavior had become increasingly unhinged. He was once hospitalized for severe concussive damage to his brain after a horrific wreck. And Hynes, unknown to us, was evidently lashing out at his youthful employee. He was accused of breaking into the victim’s home after midnight while she slept. According to court filings and allegations, there were several violent attacks where Hynes smashed the young woman’s head into a wall or even strangled her.

Trying to protect herself, the victim attempted to end her employment. Still, Hynes convinced his ex-girlfriend to embark on an executive leadership retreat held in Fiji with Tony Robbins. But the trip did not include the executive team as she was promised. In fact, it was only Hynes and his employee on the lengthy flight to Fiji. Once on the ground, the victim was mortified to learn that she and Hynes were rooming together. Moreover, Hynes had arranged for the honeymoon suite — claiming no other accommodations were available for him and his employee.

Thanks to a fellow workshop participant, the victim could secure her own accommodations. But this sent Hynes into a rage, where he allegedly attacked the victim, attempting to strangle her. According to reports, she was saved when her fellow workshop participant knocked on the door. The victim and her workshop heroine narrowly escaped, and Hynes was pursued by local authorities. But it would take almost a year before the gruesome details of this harrowing affair were revealed. Of course, Hynes wasn’t exactly forthcoming about the totality of his criminal behavior.

And with multiple Hynes-related news articles reaching me on tour, I called home to speak directly with the corporate attorney, who assured me the entire matter was being handled. He believed both sides would agree to the protection from abuse guidelines — Hynes would stay far away from his ex, and order would be restored. But neither of us knew just how violent and aggressive future criminal charges would be. These details wouldn’t be revealed until the conclusion of a lengthy Pennsylvania State Police investigation. Ultimately, Bill Hynes was arrested and charged on November 1, 2019, with 13 crimes, including six felonies.

York CEO Bill Hynes arrested on charges related to assault, stalking, PFA violation

Bill Hynes, founder and CEO of United Fiber & Data in York, was arrested on Friday in two separate criminal cases that allege he assaulted and stalked a former employee, took out a fraudulent second mortgage on her home and violated a temporary protection-from-abuse order.

Hynes, 47, of York, is charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft and related offenses. He was arraigned before District Judge Thomas Reilly at 3:15 p.m.

The embattled businessman resigned as CEO of our emerging fiber optics business while in York County prison. I feared Hynes’ obsession with the employee, his ex-girlfriend, could unravel years of earnest hard work and effort. And while I wished for a positive outcome, the fallout of his stalking was far-reaching and calamitous at best. One crisis advisor used the analogy of comparing convicted felon Hynes to the Penn State scandal, “take down the ‘statue’ Hynes is bad for everything. Remove his criminal antics from your life,” said the counselor. And that’s what I did.

After lawyers reviewed the volumes of criminal evidence, including the district attorney’s court request to include an attempted homicide — where the victim was allegedly attacked and brutally strangled while on a business trip to Fiji — I separated myself from Hynes. I also clarified that anyone who continued to associate with him would no longer be allowed in my camp.

York CEO Bill Hynes arrested on charges related to assault, stalking, PFA violation

Prosecutors can introduce evidence at trial about additional allegations of domestic violence that did not result in criminal charges against Bill Hynes, founder and former CEO of United Fiber & Data, a York County judge has ruled.

The decision from Common Pleas Judge Harry M. Ness clears the way for the York County District Attorney’s Office to bring up two “prior bad acts” that prosecutors allege took place in Las Vegas and Fiji. The order was filed on Monday.

During a hearing on June 29, Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Hamme said the additional allegations should be admissible because they show that Hynes acted with a common scheme.

Hamme said the prosecution alleges that Hynes got into an argument and choked and strangled the woman in summer 2017 in Las Vegas.

In September 2018, Hamme said, the commonwealth contends that Hynes pinned the woman to the ground and struck and choked her in Fiji.

The Band

Unfortunately, despite volumes of damming evidence, some of my band remained loyal to Hynes, boldly requesting Hynes be granted a legal liability waiver and even defending his innocence.

Of course, these details added complexity and began to impact the reunited musical quartet. While I respect freedom of choice, I was puzzled by the desire to stay close to or defend someone so adverse to women’s safety. A position on the wrong side of law enforcement. This culminated in a random but aggressive social media post where I was fired and accused of “stopping the music.” Regardless of founding the band, writing many of our hit songs, and recording/producing more albums than any band member, I quickly realized these were not my people or they too had been manipulated. Protecting and defending a predator was not acceptable behavior.

As a result, Ed Kowalczyk is touring as LIVE for the foreseeable future with a mutually agreeable arrangement in place. But, of course, the debate about what constitutes LIVE, I’m sure, will rage on.

Regardless, these extenuating circumstances — especially the civil and criminal implications surrounding Hynes — are much larger than my role as a guitarist in a rock band. It’s a lengthy process. For example, it took the victim nearly three years to receive justice. Regardless, I’m committed to seeing this process through to the end.

For nearly twelve years, Hynes was in our inner circle. I fear he manipulated almost any person I ever came in contact with. My bandmates and professional affiliates are no exception. This period extends from the end of LIVE 1.0 into the formation of The Gracious Few, LIVE 2.0 with Chris Shinn, and finally, our reunion with Ed Kowalczyk, LIVE 3.0. For anyone wondering, the reunion was a truly sincere effort. However, Hynes loved telling people he was responsible for the reunion of LIVE. And to whatever extent it is true, he is far more accountable for its ending.

I blame myself and carry great remorse for empowering the wrong person.


William T. Hynes, who faced a high-pressure jury trial, recently pled no contest to 5 of the 13 criminal charges relating to his former employee.

And despite Hynes’ criminal admissions, one band member boldly wrote to boast about the sentencing, “Bill will serve no jail time on the [victim’s] matter. I have known this the whole time. Again your narrative is a lie.”

Former UFD CEO Bill Hynes pleads no contest to 5 of 13 charges in abuse case

Bill Hynes, former CEO of the York-based telecommunications company United Fiber and Data, pleaded no contest Tuesday to five counts and to a violation of a protection from abuse order.

Hynes was sentenced to three years of probation, six months of which will be under house arrest.

Hynes faced 13 charges for a variety of incidents with his ex-girlfriend, including assault, burglary, forgery, trespassing and stalking her. He pleaded no contest to stalking, simple assault, criminal trespassing and two counts of forgery. The remaining charges were dropped.

He also pleaded no contest to the violation of a protection from abuse order against the victim, extending the order an additional three years from the three years since it was signed.

But my “narrative” is straightforward — I listened to law enforcement and prosecutors who clarified their position in his sentencing. Hynes is a criminal.

Ignoring aggressions towards a young woman and the deception of an elderly notary is deplorable and inexcusable. This is not a personal choice to ‘like or not like’ Hynes. There is no alternative for me. Hynes assured the outcome when he attacked and stalked the female victim and forged mortgage documents causing her further harm.

Studio Equipment and Artwork


Hynes is currently on house arrest at our former corporate headquarters, where the new landlords, businessmen Nick Richardson and Richard McIntosh, have sheltered him alongside our essential studio equipment and artwork. In the meantime, the landlords — personal friends or racing buddies of Hynes — have made it nearly impossible for me to record or work as they hold hostage my rightful musical belongings. It appears the landlords have colluded with Hynes long before his sentencing. I will seek to resolve this matter in an ongoing, if not frivolous, civil litigation filed by the landlords.


Dec 21, 2021, Hynes is currently a tenant at 210 York Street, where he remains on house arrest while serving three years probation.

In addition to the crimes against his former employees, Hynes is also under investigation by various law enforcement agencies for financial wrongdoing.

Pennsylvania State Police investigating report of $3.82M theft from United Fiber & Data

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a report of a more than $3.82 million theft from United Fiber & Data, a telecommunications startup in York that’s connected to members of the multi-platinum-selling rock band Live.

Law enforcement released few details but stated that the case is “still under active investigation with other agencies involved.

Background

From the beginning, Bill Hynes was a fraud, having presented himself to us as a wealthy real estate developer. But Hynes failed to disclose that he filed for personal bankruptcy at least five times and had multiple sheriff sale listings of his family home in Nazareth, PA. And he was previously convicted and sentenced to prison for theft by deception for defrauding banks.

Here’s what we know about United Fiber & Data founder and former CEO Bill Hynes

AWOL: While in high school Hynes enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. He trained as a military police officer, served in Operation Desert Shield and deployed to Panama.

But in 1999, Hynes went AWOL and became a deserter. He wasn’t returned to military control for more than two months, according to records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Bankruptcies and Sheriff Sale: From 2004 to 2012, Hynes filed for [personal] bankruptcy five times.

But records indicate that Hynes filed for bankruptcy the last two times in 2012 to stop a house from going to sheriff’s sale. He still owns the home in Bushkill Township, Northampton County, according to property records.

Navy Federal Credit Union alleged that he filed in bad faith. A judge threw out the case and barred Hynes from filing for two years.

Northampton County, Theft by Deception: “You engaged in that pattern of deception with a certain arrogance, in particular, in this case towards the bankers that were involved in this case,” Common Pleas Judge Edward G. Smith said when he sentenced Hynes to serve about 3 1/2 to 24 months in Northampton County Prison in 2010. “I do believe it was a very artful and ingenious attempt to move money around by deceiving the bank and allowing you to keep control of the funds.”

Hynes systematically used his celebrity friends to enhance his credibility and draw in supporters from the community. This included local politicians and financiers of his business interests. And more than any other person in my life, Hynes was the ultimate hanger-on. He inserted himself in almost everything, gossiping with fans and tracking our lives. This was particularly tricky in how he interacted with the musicians, photographers, and producers we brought into our lives. But, make no mistake, Hynes manipulated people — even those with great intuition and spirit.

Once I firmly ejected Hynes for his aggressions and deceptions, he became upset and determined to undermine my friendships and creative relationships. I suspect his ultimate goal was to destroy my band. Hynes advantaged his insider access and asserted many flawed assumptions on fan boards, social media, or directly to my partners. But today, Hynes is a felon known for forging documents, theft by deception, and violence against his employee. Not exactly a reliable source of credibility.


Hynes, reacting to Taylor’s efforts to separate interests. May 21, 2021

Hynes has also controlled my primary email account since its inception. As the designated administrator, he could access my communications and initiate emails. This is highly troubling given his now availed criminalities of forgery and deception.

And yes, I feel like a fool for allowing Hynes into my life!


It’s an embarrassing stain. When Hynes pulled the financial rug out from under The Gracious Few — bouncing checks all over Sausalito in 2009 — our attorney labeled him persona non-grata. He was gone for about 16 months before he was allowed back into the fold. It’s hard to admit I was a sucker and fell for his apology and excuses.

Today we know that Hynes worked earnestly to control the people around him. He was a master at spinning the story. And would seek to harm anyone who spoke out or disagreed with him. And it’s been Hynes and his online aliases working initially to discredit the victim. Then it was Hynes telling everyone the State Police were out to get him. Or even the prosecutors. His partners were to blame for his wrongdoing, deceptions, and manipulations. And at least one bandmate still denies the ongoing law enforcement investigations. Instead, defensively questioned, “haven’t you heard of due process?” But it’s a house of cards and will no doubt come crashing down.

Of course, there are people on the outside who have yet to discover what we now know. There are miles and miles of harmful deceptions aimed at dividing people to keep the truth undercover. They may not realize they were manipulated on this long journey.

If you communicated with me, Hynes was likely lurking! There is nothing we’ve ever said that wasn’t being stored in his mental vault for future exploitation or division. Someone recently said it feels like a real-life “Tales from the Crypt,” and they weren’t far off.

I’m grateful for the tremendous support from state and federal law enforcement and our community stakeholders, who recognize the severe damage and fallout Hynes has caused. Those in the know really know.

I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have hurt or harmed throughout this lengthy ordeal. I’m damaged, mentally and financially, but trying my best to recover and count the blessings of my family and the friends who supported me when others turned away. Since some social posts lead to flawed assumptions, I’ve received many threatening messages, with fans wanting to express their hatred or dislike — particularly of my silence. I’m hopeful you now understand why I waited so long. Regardless, I’m a human, filled with flaws, cracks, and many sins. My only approach is to ask for forgiveness and work daily to improve myself. When Ed said he didn’t have the spirit to pick up his guitar and play music, I recognized I felt precisely the same. I’m unsure how to quantify the damage other than to say it has impacted every aspect of my life. Please support Zak, Chris, Robin, and Ed, there has been enough pain, and it needs, at minimum, a musical ending.

I’d like to also acknowledge Chris Shinn, who is clearly still hurt from our years together. I love you, Chris, and I feel ashamed of my inability to navigate our trusted friendship and difficult times better. I can’t wait to listen to your new album and think fondly of the many great memories we created. I’m sorry I hurt you. And I agree. It was an embarrassment. Please tell your family, I miss them too! We share a great fondness for Lucia, and I’m hopeful all three of us can gather to break bread and make amends sometime in the future. You made me proud as a member of LIVE, and I will work to return your music to its rightful place in the band’s history. Given all this drama, I honestly forgot how to listen to music, let alone the material we had created.

Lucia De Giovanni, you are perhaps the most outstanding photographer I have ever known. But, more importantly, I just miss the hang. You tried and tried to tell me about Hynes, and I didn’t listen. I will forever be grateful for your forgiveness and kindness while fighting (and overcoming) your own battles.

To the fans: I’m gutted. I’m not sure how to express my dismay and regrets. Music bound us together, not these extraneous distractions. I’m so sorry.

When LIVE 1.0 broke apart, I was without a center. More than my life as a musician, I felt I lost a great friend in Ed. So I did therapy and learned to hold myself (more) accountable for my part in why we broke up in the first place.

Of course, I cherish Chad Gracey too. And I also recognize the pain we caused each other throughout our life together. The highs and lows weren’t easy, but we did our best. I’m positive I gave you my very finest effort, even when it disappointed you or didn’t meet your standards. You will always be my brother, and you will always be loved. This can’t fade. There is always a place for you.

Perhaps I may have also damaged other creative contributors to my life? Kevin Martin and Sean Hennesy are such incredible talents and good people. And Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland are amongst the finest recording producers and friends one can meet. I sense everyone’s frustrations and the need to hear me acknowledge your greatness and often unsung support. I care what you think.

Patrick, you have been an absolute rockstar. We formed this band sitting next to each other in middle school chemistry class. You were the coolest kid, and you still are. You deserve better from everyone! I’d die for you, my friend. I’ll never forget how your support of me throughout this entire ordeal! Your loyalty has put you and your family through so much. You, more than any other, have shined like a star!

I want the best for all my bandmates, old and new. I truly hope they find what they’re after.

I have addressed my family privately, but I know they are my tribe. There is no higher priority and no place I’d rather be. I will defend you with my entire being, even against myself, when those times arise. No words bring tears to my eyes faster than having to account for my sins to each of you. Dad will overcome. The music, happiness, and prosperity will eventually return. I know we are blessed.

To the victim: I pray for you, your recovery, your family, and a bright future. I intentionally stayed quiet, hoping your story, not the one about musicians and their infighting, would generate public support and awareness. I wish I could have done more or noticed your need for help sooner. I can’t imagine how brave you had to be to stand up to Hynes. Especially your victim’s statement in court.

Victim’s Statement

“I suffered from a paranoia of living trauma — because when someone is stalking you — it’s always there. I moved to another state to try to get away from this person only to see them following me on the highway. You could not snuff out my light, although you tried to, and I truly believe it’s going to shine brighter than ever before because of my faith,” the victim said. “You might think you got away with it, and you might think you might have won, but you should be fearful of what happens if you choose to remain the same person you are.”

Thank you for your continued generosity and support throughout these crazy times.

In Spirit,

Chad Taylor

[JonSnow]

Nevermind.

This post has been edited by AManIsTadChaylor: Nov 6 2022, 2:20 pm

[Bob]

And despite Hynes’ criminal admissions, one band member boldly wrote to boast about the sentencing, “Bill will serve no jail time on the [victim’s] matter. I have known this the whole time. Again your narrative is a lie.”

I'm going out on a limb here, but let's do some deductions:

-It's obviously not CT, Ed or Pat, which means that it's Gracey.

-All of Gracey's drum videos are shot by Hynes, assuming at 210 York since that's where Hynes is holed up.

So CG and Hynes are besties.

Of course, I cherish Chad Gracey too. And I also recognize the pain we caused each other throughout our life together. The highs and lows weren’t easy, but we did our best. I’m positive I gave you my very finest effort, even when it disappointed you or didn’t meet your standards. You will always be my brother, and you will always be loved. This can’t fade. There is always a place for you.

Curious how this fits with the marital issues we've heard about, in addition to the Hynes stuff.

Thanks for sharing the news.

[Bremang]

Bill Hynes accused Chad Taylor of punching Chad Gracey's wife. Then Gerrycan70 said Gracey's wife was not punched. What happened? Either Bill lied or Chad punched someones wife, which makes CT somewhat contradictory if he's condemning violence against women.

It seems like Chad Taylor is tip-toeing around whether he slept with Gracey's wife. We're not exactly sure which of Bill's claims Chad is refuting.

It's great to hear Chad say that he'll make an effort to include Chris Shinn into Live's history, and for him to acknowledge the other band members and personnel in this story.

This post has been edited by Bremang: Nov 6 2022, 5:25 pm

[Voodoo Lady]

I'm going out on a limb here, but let's do some deductions:

-It's obviously not CT, Ed or Pat, which means that it's Gracey.

-All of Gracey's drum videos are shot by Hynes, assuming at 210 York since that's where Hynes is holed up.

So CG and Hynes are besties.
Curious how this fits with the marital issues we've heard about, in addition to the Hynes stuff.

Thanks for sharing the news.

Yea, I was a little surprised in this that CT didn’t address the accusation of what happened with CG’s wife. Probably because it’s true. In fact, I believe every thing he wrote here is probably 100% true.

I’m happy to see him ask fans to support what Ed is currently doing. I guess if there’s anything for fans to be upset at Ed about, it’s that he didn’t cut ties with Hynes after Hynes’ victim made her allegations against him.

It makes me sad that CT has had to put up with volatile private messages from Līve fans. I don’t see why/how anyone could do that, after the years of joy this band has given us.

I truly pray for peace and healing for all of four of them and for one day, a way for them to all be reunited as a band again.

[mattyeagles]

Yea, I was a little surprised in this that CT didn’t address the accusation of what happened with CG’s wife. Probably because it’s true. In fact, I believe every thing he wrote here is probably 100% true.

I’m happy to see him ask fans to support what Ed is currently doing. I guess if there’s anything for fans to be upset at Ed about, it’s that he didn’t cut ties with Hynes after Hynes’ victim made her allegations against him.

It makes me sad that CT has had to put up with volatile private messages from Līve fans. I don’t see why/how anyone could do that, after the years of joy this band has given us.

I truly pray for peace and healing for all of four of them and for one day, a way for them to all be reunited as a band again.

Agreed. It’s easy as a fan or on a message board to forget that these are human beings with flaws. I actually feel for everyone involved.

[gerrycan70]

Bill Hynes accused Chad Taylor of punching Chad Gracey's wife. Then Gerrycan70 said Gracey's wife was not punched. What happened? Either Bill lied or Chad punched someones wife, which makes CT somewhat contradictory if he's condemning violence against women.

It seems like Chad Taylor is tip-toeing around whether he slept with Gracey's wife. We're not exactly sure which of Bill's claims Chad is refuting.

It's great to hear Chad say that he'll make an effort to include Chris Shinn into Live's history, and for him to acknowledge the other band members and personnel in this story.

WTF!!!!

Bill never accused CT of punching Gracey's wife...... I'd remove your defamatory immediately

[Voodoo Lady]

I remember that accusation but it wasn’t clear whose wife it was.

[gerrycan70]

I remember that accusation but it wasn’t clear whose wife it was.

There was an accusation made, but it was not implying Gracey's wife (people speculated). I can say 1000% that the alleged incident wasn't CAG wife.

[JonSnow]

There was an accusation made, but it was not implying Gracey's wife (people speculated). I can say 1000% that the alleged incident wasn't CAG wife.

Well... one of you is wrong. Or both of you are.

Or maybe both of you are right.

Hard to know which these days.

[Bremang]

WTF!!!!

Bill never accused CT of punching Gracey's wife...... I'd remove your defamatory immediately

you're so dramatic. It was another bandmates wife Bill said CT punched. zero defamation going on

He found is necessary to sleep with one bandmates wife and also find it necessary to get drunk and punch another bandmates wife at the Baltimore Marriott hotel. In front of many people I might add. In both situations he actually blamed their wives. "She made me F her" and "she made me hit her".

This post has been edited by Bremang: Nov 7 2022, 2:21 am

[gerrycan70]

Well... one of you is wrong. Or both of you are.

Or maybe both of you are right.

Hard to know which these days.

Do you people on here bother to read the context of a person's reply?

I was referring to the post above where it said that CT punched CAG wife.

I WAS NOT commenting about any other allegations affairs etc, just about the punching incident..

And NO CT DID NOT PUNCH CAG's WIFE! Maybe CAPSLOCK will make it clear

[gerrycan70]

you're so dramatic. It was another bandmates wife Bill said CT punched. zero defamation going on

Okay I apologize to you for being dramatic, just sick and tired of people who have NFI what's gone on, they make wrong assumptions.

This is exactly what you wrote above

Bill Hynes accused Chad Taylor of punching Chad Gracey's wife. Then Gerrycan70 said Gracey's wife was not punched. What happened?

And I was telling you point blank it was not her that was punched!

This post has been edited by gerrycan70: Nov 7 2022, 8:37 am