News Summary
A math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School has been arrested after allegedly attempting to engage in sexual acts with a person he thought was a minor. The suspect engaged in explicit online conversations with an undercover detective from the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Following his arrest, school officials placed him on administrative leave and are cooperating with law enforcement. Authorities have charged him with online solicitation of a minor, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding child safety and the risks posed by online predators.
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 planning to engage in sexual acts with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. This individual was, in fact, an undercover detective from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit of the Harris County Precinct One, who was conducting an operation aimed at curbing online solicitation of minors.
Detectives apprehended Taylor after he had engaged in explicit conversations online, exchanging sexually suggestive messages, photographs, and attempting to arrange a meeting at a hotel for the purpose of sexual intercourse. The case highlights the dangers posed by individuals who solicit minors through the internet, and emphasizes the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to pursue and arrest suspects in such predatory activities.
Authorities stated that shortly before his arrest, Taylor was present at the Texas City High School’s field house working with students, raising concerns regarding the safety of children during his employment at the school. The Texas City Independent School District (ISD) has confirmed that Taylor has a history of working in other school districts within the Houston area as well as in Fort Stockton, located in West Texas.
As a result of the incident, Texas City ISD placed Taylor on administrative leave and has implemented measures to prohibit him from returning to any school campus or participating in school-related activities. The district is cooperating with local law enforcement and plans to submit the circumstances of the case to the Board of Trustees for consideration of contract termination during their meeting in August. Taylor has been a teacher in the district since 2018.
Taylor now faces serious legal repercussions, charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony that may result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Law enforcement officials, including Constable Alan Rosen, remarked on the unfortunate nature of the case, especially considering the suspect’s role as a teacher entrusted with the care and guidance of students.
This incident serves as a potent reminder about the potential threats present in today’s digital landscape, where predators can easily exploit unsuspecting minors. The investigation into Taylor’s interactions with minors is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone who may possess additional information regarding the case to contact the Harris County Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
In this climate of heightened awareness regarding child safety, ongoing investigations like this underscore the significant work undertaken by law enforcement to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to harm children. The Texas City ISD is facing a critical moment as they navigate the implications of the arrest and respond to the needs of the students and community affected by this unsettling occurrence.
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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
