Katy ISD Teacher Arrested, Charged with Child Pornography

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

May 14, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

A teacher from Katy ISD’s Tompkins High School was arrested and charged with child pornography. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities believe he took some photos at the school and around the Katy community. UPDATES IN STORY (May 14, 2024, 8:23 p.m.)

Arrested and Charged

Government and History Teacher James Stone, 53, was arrested Monday morning and charged with 9 counts of possessing and producing child pornography. In addition to finding thousands of images at his home, Stone has admitted to taking pictures of Tompkins High School and around the Katy community.

UPDATE: Stone's bond was set at $900,000. While in court today he admitted to taking pictures of young girls in his classroom and his backyard pool.

Stone was arrested after an undercover investigation conducted by detectives with Montgomery County Precinct 3′s Internet Crimes Against Children unit.

 James Stone

Wife Responds

After a detailed search of his home with a warrant, thousands of images were found. He shares his home with his wife and Taylor High School principal, Melinda Stone. Melinda is a principal at Taylor High School and has addressed her staff and families.

“His arrest and involvement in this criminal activity was unbeknownst to me or those closest to him,” Melinda Stone wrote in one of two emails she shared with her staff and Mustang family. “My family and I are deeply disappointed in his actions and thus we do not have any plans to be involved in James’ criminal proceedings as he navigates the next steps.”

She also stressed that she, nor anyone else in her family, is implicated in this crime. Both Melinda Stone and Katy ISD are cooperating with law enforcement. As always, Katy ISD stresses that providing a safe and secure learning environment continues to their top priority.  

Katy ISD issued a statement on Monday.

Katy ISD Statement

“The individual has not been on campus since last week and will not return to the school. Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional information at this time. Please be assured the district takes this type of incident very seriously and is fully cooperating with law enforcement.”

This case is currently under investigation. If anyone knows anything, they are encouraged to contact Detective Ashley Walker by email at Ashley.Walker@MCTX.org or phone at (281) 364-4211.

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