Texas Teacher Arrested for Alleged Online Solicitation

News Summary

John Derrick Taylor, a math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activities with a minor. The Harris County ICAC unit investigated and discovered Taylor had been sending explicit messages and arranged to meet what he thought was a 15-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover detective. Following his arrest, the school district placed him on administrative leave, and concerns for student safety have prompted further actions, including potential contract termination.

Texas City – John Derrick Taylor, a 55-year-old math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School, was arrested on July 15, 2025, for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activities with a minor. The arrest was made by detectives from the Harris County Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. Officials state that Taylor was allegedly arranging to meet what he thought was a 15-year-old girl for sex, who was, in fact, an undercover detective involved in the ongoing investigation.

During the investigation, authorities claim that Taylor engaged in explicit online conversations, sending sexually explicit messages and images. He made arrangements to meet the supposed minor at a hotel for sexual intercourse. The arrest followed a period when Taylor had been actively working with students at the school’s field house, raising concerns about the safety of the students under his supervision.

In light of the allegations, Texas City Independent School District (ISD) officials have confirmed that Taylor has not only been employed at Texas City High School since 2018, but he has also worked in other school districts in the Houston area and in Fort Stockton, West Texas prior to his arrest. Following his apprehension, Texas City ISD placed him on administrative leave, which prohibits him from returning to any school campus or participating in school-related activities until further notice.

As part of the school district’s response, officials noted that they are cooperating fully with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation. The district is also planning to present the situation to the Board of Trustees for a potential contract termination in the upcoming August meeting. Taylor now faces charges of online solicitation of a minor, which is classified as a second-degree felony and could lead to a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

Constable Alan Rosen indicated that it is “especially unfortunate” for an educator to be embroiled in such alleged behavior, highlighting the diligent work of the detectives in their efforts to pursue individuals who exploit minors online. Authorities have stated that the investigation into Taylor’s communications with minors is still active, and they are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the Harris County Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.

The situation has raised significant concern in the Texas City community, with many parents and residents expressing shock over the allegations against a member of the educational staff. The school district is expected to take necessary actions to ensure the safety and well-being of its students moving forward as more details about the case emerge.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential threats that exist in the digital age, particularly regarding the safeguarding of minors. Texas City ISD is working to maintain transparency during this investigation, as it prioritizes the security of its students and staff.

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Additional Resources

• ABC13 News
• Wikipedia: Online Solicitation of Children
• Click2Houston
• Google Search: Online Solicitation of Minors
• Hoodline
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Exploitation