Tompkins High School teacher James Stone was arrested early Monday morning at his Katy area residence on nine counts of possession of child pornography, according to Wesley Wittig. Second district attorney for Fort Bend County.

“I cannot speak to the details of the investigation as it is ongoing, but we do not believe at this time that Tompkins students are victims. The charges are first-degree felonies, punishable by 5-99 years, or life, in prison,” said Wittig in an email to the Katy Times. “He is still being processed into the jail and should be scheduled for [Tuesday] morning’s magistration docket. While those are recorded, they are not yet live-streamed. That is where bond will be set and any bond conditions, etc. He will get a new court date when he bonds, or when he gets an attorney who begins working on his behalf. Once the investigation finishes, law enforcement will turn it over to us for consideration of formal charges (indictment).”

Other media outlets in the Katy area had stated on Monday that Stone had been charged with production of child pornography, but that is incorrect. Wittig said.

The district was notified of the situation by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office, KISD officials said in a statement. Nick Petito, director of internal and community relations for Katy ISD issued the following to the Katy Times about the arrest:

”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.”

The office of Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable Ryan Gable explained the involvement of their law enforcement agency in a May 13th post on X (formerly Twitter), saying that “the investigation stemmed from the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Internet Crimes Against Children Detective’s undercover investigation related to the possession or promotion of child pornography on the dark web.” The post continued that “thousands of images of child pornography were recovered from the residence” and “do include images he [Stone} admitted taking while on school grounds, at beaches and local swimming pools around the Katy area.” Stone was transported to the Fort Bend County jail following the arrest.

Chad Norvell, Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable, declined comment on the arrest and referred the Katy Times to Katy ISD for further information.

Parents of students at Tompkins High School, as well as school staff, were notified of the arrest Monday morning via an email from the Katy Independent School District, which read:

“Dear Tompkins High School Parents/Guardians and Staff,

The purpose of this message is to inform you that today, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department notified the district that the agency arrested a Tompkins High School educator, James Stone for possession and production of child pornography. The individual has not been on campus since last week and will not return to the 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.

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. An update will be provided as information becomes available.

Katy ISD”

Stone is listed in the Katy Independent School district’s directory as a social studies teacher. He is married to Melinda Stone, who is the principal at Taylor High School. Melinda Stone also sent out a “message from the principal” email to the Taylor staff on Monday morning, reading:

“Dear Taylor High School staff,

I am sure that you are aware of the incident involving my husband, James Stone. James was arrested this morning for possession of pornographic materials. His arrest and involvement in this criminal activity was unbeknownst to me or to those closest to him. 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. It is important for me to confirm with you that neither I, nor any other family member, is implicated in James’ criminal activity. Because the incident is still being investigated, law enforcement agencies are unable to provide additional information at this time, but know that the District and I take this incident very seriously and are cooperating with law enforcement. Providing a safe and secure learning environment is and will continue to be the District’s and my top priority. An update will be provided by the District as information becomes available. I greatly appreciate your support and understanding as this matter is addressed by law enforcement. Dr. Melinda Stone, principal.”

An internet search for Stone revealed a “showcase page” for thenestline.com, which identifies itself as the online newspaper of Tompkins High School, said that Stone, who taught AP Government and U.S. history, had previously been employed at Mayde Creek High School, and that he is originally from Iowa. The page is now deleted.

Tompkins High School is located at 4400 Falcon Landing Blvd. in Katy.