This story was originally posted at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024. It was updated with additional information at 4 p.m. on the same day and updated again on May 14, at 4 p.m.
KATY, TX (Covering Katy News)—Tompkins High School teacher James Stone is charged with nine counts of possession of child pornography. He was arrested early Monday morning at his Katy area home.
"James Stone has not been on campus since last week and will not return to the school," said a statement to parents from Tompkins High School. "Because the incident is still being investigated, we are unable to provide additional information at this time, but please be assured the district takes these types of incidents very seriously and is fully cooperating with law enforcement."
Stone's wife is the principal of Katy ISD's Taylor High School.
"Thousands of images of child pornography were recovered from the residence, including several images that Stone admitted to possessing himself," said a statement from Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable Ryan Gamble's Office.
Gumbel's team took part in the arrest because they are a member of a task-force that investigates internet crimes against children.
Investigators recovered photos taken on the Tompkins campus and at beaches and local swimming pools, but those images were not pornographic, Wesley Wittig of the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office said.
The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Criminal Investigations Division believes there are several victims, and investigators are encouraging victims or others with knowledge of the case to contact Detective Ashley Walker at Ashley.Walker@MCT.org or 281-364-4211.
Stone's bond was initially set at $900,000 but could be reduced when Stone and his attorney have their next court appearance.
This story will be updated if more information becomes available.