News Summary
A Texas City high school math teacher, John Derrick Taylor, has been arrested for attempting to engage in sexual acts with a minor. Taylor believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old girl, but was actually speaking with an undercover detective. After explicit online conversations, he arranged to meet for sexual activity. The authorities moved quickly to arrest him following the investigation. Taylor, who has been employed by the school district since 2018, is facing serious charges that could result in significant prison time and has been placed on administrative leave.
Texas City, Texas — Teacher Arrested for Planning Sexual Encounter with Undercover Detective Posing as Minor
John Derrick Taylor, a 55-year-old math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School, was arrested on July 15, 2025. The arrest was made following an investigation into his online activities and alleged intentions to engage in sexual acts with a minor.
Details of the Arrest and Alleged Crime
Detectives from Harris County Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit took Taylor into custody after authorities allege he was planning to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity. The individual Taylor believed he was communicating with was actually an undercover detective conducting a probe into online solicitation of minors.
According to investigators, Taylor engaged in explicit conversations via the internet, exchanged sexually explicit messages, and sent inappropriate photos to the individual he thought was a minor. He subsequently scheduled a meeting at a hotel with the alleged minor for the purpose of sexual intercourse.
Timing and Context of the Arrest
The arrest occurred shortly after Taylor had been working with students at the school’s field house. Law enforcement officials acted quickly once they identified his intentions during the online communication. The timing highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat online threats to minors and prevent potential abuse before it occurs.
Educational Background and Employment History
Texas City ISD officials confirmed that John Derrick Taylor has been employed by the district since 2018. They also shared that he has previously worked at other educational institutions within the Houston area and in Fort Stockton, Texas, spanning various school districts.
Legal Charges and Potential Penalties
Taylor is charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the charge, highlighting the importance of safeguarding minors from sexual predators.
Law Enforcement and District Response
Constable Alan Rosen expressed that it is “especially unfortunate” for a person in a teaching role to engage in such activities. He commended the efforts of the detectives in pursuing and apprehending suspected predators.
Following the arrest, Texas City Independent School District (ISD) immediately placed Taylor on administrative leave. The district also stated that Taylor is prohibited from returning to any school campus or engaging in school-related activities during the investigation.
The district confirmed its cooperation with law enforcement authorities and announced plans to present the case to the Board of Trustees for potential contract termination in August. Taylor has been employed by the district since 2018, and district officials expressed their commitment to ensuring a safe environment for students.
Ongoing Investigation and Contact Information
The investigation into Taylor’s contact with minors remains active. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Harris County Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
Background Context
This case underscores an ongoing effort by law enforcement agencies nationwide to detect and prevent online exploitation and abuse involving minors. The use of undercover operations has become a common tool in identifying individuals attempting to engage in illegal activities with minors, especially in environments where trust and authority figures like teachers hold significant influence.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of vigilance and cooperation from the community in reporting suspicious activities to help protect children and ensure safe learning environments across the region.
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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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
