KATY, Texas — Bond was set at $900,000 for a Katy ISD teacher who was arrested Monday after he was accused of having child porn, according to the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable's Office.
According to authorities, during his arrest, James Paul Stone admitted to producing some of the images that were found.
Thousands of images were found at Stone's Katy home, officials said. Some photos were taken on school grounds, beaches and Katy-area swimming pools.
Katy ISD said Stone was an educator at Tompkins High School but hadn't been on campus since last week. The district also said he would not return. KISD also said Stone's wife is the principal at Taylor High School.
Investigators said Stone, 53, had also been making videos for some time. They also said that when he was questioned, Stone told them he had been looking at child pornography for his entire adult life. He said he took photos of young girls in his classroom and in his own backyard pool.
"He had access to several children working in the schools," Lt. Ken Washington said.
Parents were shocked to hear about the allegations.
"We are sending our children in to people we want to trust. I am very shocked to hear this. It's not OK," Melissa Ramirez said.
The parents attended a school board meeting on Monday night to express their frustration. They were angry that the topic wasn't addressed.
"Shocked there was nothing done about it and it didn't make the agenda," Jackie Schrock said.
He was arrested and taken to the Fort Bend County Jail. Officials initially said he was charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography, but on Tuesday, the district attorney's office said he is facing nine counts of possession of child pornography. He was given a $100,000 bond for each count. He's expected to be moved to the Montgomery County Jail.
The constable's office said Katy ISD was told about Stone's arrest and the allegations against him. The district released the following statement:
"On Monday morning, the Montgomery County Constables Office Precinct 3 arrested James Stone, an educator at Tompkins High School, for possession or promotion of child pornography. 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.
"In Katy ISD, providing a safe and secure learning environment is and will continue to be our top priority and we will always act swiftly when that is compromised."
Investigators said they think there are more victims and asked anyone with information to call Detective Ashley Walker at 281-364-4211.