News Summary
A Texas City high school teacher, John Derrick Taylor, was arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor online. Taylor, who was communicating with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl, sent explicit messages and photographs, arranging a meeting for illegal activities. After his arrest, he was placed on administrative leave, and the school district announced plans for potential contract termination. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues.
Texas City: Teacher Arrested in Online Predatory Case
Texas City, TX — A local high school teacher was taken into custody on July 15, 2025, following allegations of planning a sexual encounter with an undercover police officer. John Derrick Taylor, a 55-year-old math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School, was arrested by detectives from Harris County Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.
Details of the Arrest and Alleged Crimes
Authorities allege that Taylor engaged in explicit online communications with a person he believed was a 15-year-old girl. In the course of their digital conversations, investigators say Taylor sent sexually explicit messages and photographs. He had also arranged to meet the individual at a hotel for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
The arrest came shortly after Taylor was working with students at the school’s field house, highlighting the sudden shift from his routine duties to law enforcement intervention. Detectives from the ICAC unit conducted a sting operation in which they posed as minors online, ultimately leading to Taylor’s apprehension.
Background and Employment History
According to officials, John Derrick Taylor has been employed by Texas City ISD since 2018. His role includes teaching mathematics as well as serving as a powerlifting coach. The district confirmed that Taylor has also worked in other school districts in the Houston area and in Fort Stockton, West Texas, expanding the scope of his professional background.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following his arrest, Taylor has been formally charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The case against him is now part of ongoing investigations, with authorities continuing to explore additional possible conduct related to minors.
Reactions and District Response
Constable Alan Rosen, a senior law enforcement official overseeing the case, commented on the seriousness of the allegations, noting that it is “especially unfortunate” for a teacher to be involved in such conduct. He praised the efforts of detectives in pursuing predators online and emphasized ongoing safety measures to protect minors.
Following the arrest, Texas City ISD reached out to the community to state that Taylor has been placed on administrative leave. The district has also clarified that he has been prohibited from returning to any school campus or participating in school-related activities. The district is cooperating fully with law enforcement and has announced plans to present the case to the Board of Trustees at an upcoming meeting for the potential contract termination.
Additional Information and Public Assistance
The investigation remains active. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Harris County Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to identifying and apprehending individuals involved in online exploitation of minors, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in such cases.
Conclusion
The case involving John Derrick Taylor underscores continued efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation. The incident also raises ongoing concerns about safeguarding minors and ensuring that adults in positions of trust adhere to strict ethical standards. As legal proceedings continue, the community remains attentive to developments and the pursuit of justice in this matter.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC13 News
- Wikipedia: Online Solicitation of Children
- Click2Houston
- Google Search: Online Solicitation of Minors
- Hoodline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Exploitation
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