Texas Teacher Arrested for Attempting to Solicit Minor

News Summary

A 55-year-old math teacher in Texas has been arrested for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. John Derrick Taylor allegedly held explicit online conversations with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. Following his arrest, he was placed on administrative leave by the Texas City Independent School District. Authorities are investigating his contact with minors, as concerns grow over safety in educational environments.

Texas City, TX – A 55-year-old math teacher and powerlifting coach at Texas City High School has been arrested for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. John Derrick Taylor was taken into custody on July 15, 2025, by detectives from Harris County Precinct One’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit as part of an undercover investigation.

Authorities reported that Taylor initiated explicit online conversations with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover detective. During these chats, he sent sexually explicit messages and pictures. Taylor had arranged to meet the supposed minor at a hotel for sexual intercourse.

His arrest coincided with a time when he had been actively engaging with students at the school’s field house, raising concerns regarding the potential risks posed to students. Following the apprehension of Taylor, the Texas City Independent School District (ISD) placed him on administrative leave and prohibited him from returning to school campuses or participating in school-related activities.

In addition to his current role at Texas City High School, which he began in 2018, Taylor has worked in various other school districts in the Houston area and Fort Stockton in West Texas. The district is cooperating fully with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation into his contact with minors and has plans to present the situation to the Board of Trustees in August for possible termination of his contract.

Taylor faces serious charges connected to this incident, including online solicitation of a minor, which is classified as a second-degree felony. Such charges carry the potential for a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Law enforcement officials emphasized the gravity of the situation, particularly considering Taylor’s position as an educator.

Constable Alan Rosen remarked on the unfortunate nature of the incident, stating the significant efforts made by detectives in tracking down individuals who prey on children through the internet. Authorities are urging anyone with further information related to Taylor’s actions or other similar cases to contact the Harris County Precinct One Internet Crimes Against Children Unit as the investigation continues.

This incident raises alarm regarding the safety of minors in educational environments, and it highlights the critical role of law enforcement in combating online predators. As investigations like this take place, communities are reminded of the potential dangers that exist and the necessity for vigilance in protecting children from exploitation.

The Texas City ISD is navigating the aftermath of this arrest while ensuring that students and their families remain informed and secure. Ongoing discussions within the district aim to address any concerns stemming from this event, as they seek to uphold student safety and trust in the education system.

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