A parent emphasizing the importance of overseeing children's online interactions.
A Texas City math teacher and powerlifting coach has been arrested for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. The arrest followed an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, revealing explicit online communications and plans for an in-person meeting. The district has placed the teacher on administrative leave as legal proceedings are set to unfold, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against educators and the importance of protecting minors.
Texas City law enforcement authorities apprehended John Derrick Taylor, a 55-year-old math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School, on July 15, 2025. Taylor faces serious allegations involving online solicitation of a minor, after he engaged in explicit communications with an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover detective.
The Harris County Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit conducted the investigation that led to Taylor’s arrest. According to authorities, Taylor was actively involved in online conversations with what he thought was a minor, exchanging sexually explicit messages and photographs. Investigators allege that Taylor arranged to meet the individual at a hotel with the intent of engaging in sexual activity.
The arrest occurred shortly after Taylor had been working with students at the school’s field house, highlighting how this incident uncovered a significant breach of trust and safety. The authorities confirm that Taylor’s communications included explicit content and he planned an in-person meeting for a sexual encounter.
Texas City ISD confirmed that Taylor has been employed by the district since 2018. His role in the district includes teaching mathematics and coaching powerlifting. The district also revealed that Taylor has worked in other school districts within the Houston metropolitan area and in Fort Stockton, West Texas, indicating a lengthy employment history in education and coaching.
Following the arrest, Texas City ISD immediately placed Taylor on administrative leave. The district made clear that he is prohibited from returning to any school campus or school-related activities. The district officials stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they review the situation and plan to present the case to the Board of Trustees in August for a potential termination of Taylor’s employment contract.
Taylor faces charges of online solicitation of a minor, categorized as a second-degree felony. Such charges carry a potential punishment of up to 10 years in prison. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to pursue additional information related to Taylor’s contact with minors.
Chief Constable Alan Rosen expressed that it is “especially unfortunate” for an educator to be involved in such alleged criminal acts. He emphasized the diligence of law enforcement in pursuing online predators and protecting minors from exploitation.
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to come forward with any relevant information, encouraging citizens to contact the Harris County Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. The ongoing investigation aims to determine whether Taylor engaged in harmful contact with other minors or individuals.
Authorities remind the community that technological advances and law enforcement efforts continue to make online environments safer by identifying and apprehending individuals involved in illegal activities against minors.
In Texas City, a veteran teacher and coach has been arrested on charges related to attempting to engage in a sexual encounter with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl. The suspect engaged in explicit online exchanges and arranged an in-person meeting. The district has responded swiftly by placing Taylor on leave and cooperating with law enforcement. Legal proceedings are pending, and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with pertinent information to assist ongoing investigations.
News Summary In Rockwall, Texas, police are investigating the tragic death of an infant discovered…
News Summary A fire on the roof of Lunenburg Middle/High School led to an evacuation…
News Summary Hundreds of students at Parkland High School in Winston-Salem organized a walkout to…
News Summary A heartbreaking incident in Rockwall has led to the death of a young…
News Summary A tragic incident unfolded in Rockwall when an infant was found dead inside…
News Summary Authorities are investigating the tragic death of an infant found inside a vehicle…