A high school teacher and coach at Texas City Independent School District was arrested Tuesday on charges of online solicitation of a minor.
Harris County Constable Alex Rosen of Precinct One reported the arrest of John Derrick Taylor, 55, in a social media post.
Taylor was a high school math teacher and a boys’ and girls’ power lifting coach.
According to Rosen, Taylor believed he was in communication with a 15-year-old girl and planned a sexual encounter with her. However, he was actually speaking to an undercover detective from Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
Rosen reported that Taylor has also engaged in explicit conversations and has sent explicit photos through social media platforms.
“It is especially unfortunate that a teacher would be involved in such alleged despicable acts,” wrote Rosen. “No matter who they are or where they roam, predators are subject to being pursued by our detectives.”
Rosen also reports that at the time of Taylor’s arrest, he was finishing up work with a group of students from Texas City ISD at one of the district’s field houses.
According to school district officials, Taylor was immediately placed on administrative leave after the district was informed of his arrest.
Taylor will not be permitted to return to any of the district’s campuses and will be barred from participation in all school-related activities.
“The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities as they conduct their investigation,” Texas City ISD’s press release continued. “Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.”
The district announced plans to begin the contract termination process at the August school board meeting.
According to the State Board for Educator Certification, Taylor was placed on probated suspension from 2004-2008. His certificate is not currently flagged as under investigation.
Detectives from the Harris County Constable Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit request that anyone with information about Taylor or additional sexual crimes against minors contact them at 713-222-4929.
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