by Texas High School Teacher and Coach Arrested for Alleged Online Solicitation of Minor
A high school teacher and powerlifting coach in Texas City has been arrested after allegedly arranging to meet a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl for sex — who was, in fact, an undercover detective.
John Derrick Taylor, 55, of Manvel, was taken into custody on Tuesday by the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office, specifically by detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.
Allegations and Arrest
Taylor, a math teacher and boys and girls powerlifting coach at Texas City High School, is accused of sending sexually explicit messages and photos and coordinating to meet the teen at a hotel. Investigators say the person Taylor was communicating with was not a real minor, but an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl online.
He was arrested shortly after working with students at the school’s field house, according to officials.
“It is especially unfortunate that a teacher would be involved in such alleged despicable acts,” said Constable Alan Rosen. “No matter who they are or where they roam, predators are subject to being pursued by our detectives.”
Legal Charges and Background
Taylor is charged with online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities confirmed that Taylor had previously worked in other Houston-area school districts and in Fort Stockton, located in West Texas.
School District Response
The Texas City Independent School District (TCISD) released a statement following the arrest:
“Texas City ISD was informed on July 15, 2025, that a teacher was arrested for online solicitation of a minor. The employee has been placed on administrative leave. The teacher is not permitted to return to any TCISD campus nor participate in any school-related activities.”
The district said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement and intends to present the matter to the Board of Trustees in August to begin the contract termination process. Taylor had been employed by the district since 2018.
Ongoing Investigation
The ICAC Unit is continuing its investigation and is asking anyone who may have information about Taylor’s potential contact with minors to call 713-222-4929.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that protecting children from online predators remains a top priority and that undercover operations like this one are crucial in identifying and removing individuals who pose a threat to minors.
