News Summary
John Derrick Taylor, a math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School, was arrested after allegedly planning to engage in sexual activities with someone he believed to be a minor. The investigation, conducted by the Harris County Precinct One’s ICAC Unit, revealed explicit online conversations and arrangements for a hotel meeting. Following his arrest, Taylor was placed on administrative leave. The case raises significant concerns about student safety and the responsibility of educators within the community.
Texas City – A Texas City High School math teacher and powerlifting coach, John Derrick Taylor, 55, was arrested on July 15, 2025, for allegedly planning to engage in sexual activities with what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. Taylor was taken into custody by detectives from the Harris County Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, following an undercover investigation.
Authorities report that Taylor engaged in explicit online conversations, including sending sexually explicit messages and photographs to the undercover detective, who was posing as a minor. The investigation revealed that he had arranged to meet the supposed minor at a hotel for sexual intercourse.
The arrest came shortly after Taylor had been working at Texas City High School’s field house, marking a troubling incident for the school district and the community. Following the arrest, Texas City Independent School District (ISD) placed Taylor on administrative leave and prohibited him from returning to any school campus or participating in school-related activities.
Taylor has a history as an educator, having been employed by Texas City ISD since 2018. School district officials confirmed that he had also worked in other educational institutions in the Houston area, as well as in Fort Stockton, West Texas.
As a result of the alleged actions, Taylor faces serious legal consequences. He has been charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony that carries a potential punishment of up to 10 years in prison. The Harris County Precinct One’s ICAC unit continues to investigate the case, particularly regarding Taylor’s contact with minors. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Constable Alan Rosen expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the unfortunate nature of a teacher being involved in such alleged acts and praising the vigilance of detectives in the pursuit of predators. The Texas City ISD has vowed to cooperate fully with law enforcement and intends to present the situation to the Board of Trustees in August, where potential contract termination for Taylor will be discussed.
This incident has raised alarms in the Texas City community, particularly given the trust placed in educators and the importance of safeguarding students from potential abuse. Parents and residents are understandably alarmed by the situation, reflecting broader concerns about the safety of children in educational environments.
The investigation into John Derrick Taylor’s actions is ongoing, with authorities dedicated to uncovering the full extent of the allegations. As news of the arrest circulates, the Texas City ISD community remains hopeful for transparency and accountability as the situation unfolds.
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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
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