A Texas school principal wrote a mortifying email to staff and parents saying she and her family are cutting ties with her husband after he was arrested for a massive collection of child pornography.
James Stone, 53, who teaches at Tompkins Middle School in Katy, was arrested on 10 counts of possessing and producing what police say are thousands of images involving minors.
Police say he admitted producing the sickening images, some on school grounds.
Melinda Stone, his wife and principal at Taylor High School, wrote two emails to the school community following his arrest.
James Stone, 53, who teaches at Tompkins Middle School in Katy, was arrested on 10 counts of possession and production of child pornography.
James’ wife, Melinda Stone (pictured left), sent several emails on Monday completely severing ties with her husband.
One email was addressed to families and staff and another to staff only, confirming her knowledge of the charges and announcing that she was disowning her husband, who she claimed had done something “shameful.”
“My family and I are deeply disappointed by his actions and therefore have no plans to become involved in James’ criminal process as he moves through the next steps,” Melinda wrote in the email to staff.
James Stone is accused of not only possessing child pornography, but also taking photographs at Tompkins High School, as well as several local pools and other locations in Katy.
Police claimed the images were distributed on the “dark web” and said he admitted to producing them himself.
A junior, Savannah Lacks, says she is now reconsidering her interactions with Stone.
“I had him as a study hall teacher,” he said. ABC13. ‘It was really strange. He always told me to come closer to the desk.
“I didn’t know him personally, so I felt scared for our community, especially Tompkins. But I want to say it’s good that they finally revealed themselves,” Anton Freese added.
Melinda Stone is quickly distancing herself from her husband, having written the emails to both staff and parents on Monday.
“This morning you received a copy of the following message I sent to my staff regarding a criminal incident involving James Stone,” he wrote in a letter to families and staff.
‘I think it is important that our parents are aware of the information that is being shared with staff on this matter.
‘I understand that you may have questions or concerns and I am available to speak to parents who wish to do so.
“As mentioned to staff below, authorities continue to investigate,” he continued.
‘I apologize for any disruption this embarrassing incident may have caused. Please know that I am fully committed to serving the students, staff, and school community of Taylor High School. The District will provide an update as information becomes available.’
Melinda Stone is the principal of Taylor High School. She wrote two letters, one to families and staff and one to staff only, confirming her knowledge of the charges and announcing that she was disowning her husband, who she said had done something “shameful.”
A junior, Savannah Lacks, says she is now reconsidering her interactions with Stone.
James Stone is accused of not only possessing child pornography, but also taking photographs at Tompkins High School, as well as several local pools and other locations in Katy.
However, he went even further in an email addressed solely to Taylor High School staff.
“I’m sure many of you are aware of the incident involving my husband, James Stone,” she wrote.
‘James was arrested this morning for possession of pornographic material. Neither I nor those closest to him knew of his arrest and participation in this criminal activity.”
That’s when she dropped the hammer on her husband: “My family and I are deeply disappointed by his actions and therefore have no plans to become involved in James’ criminal process as he navigates the next steps.”
“It is also important for me to confirm with you that neither I nor any other family members are involved in James’ criminal activity.”
He also said the incident is still under investigation but that his family will cooperate with any police requests.
James Stone allegedly distributed the images on ‘the dark web’
Melinda Stone is quickly distancing herself from her husband in emails to both staff and parents on Monday.
‘Providing a safe learning environment is and will continue to be the District’s and my top priority. The District will provide an update as information becomes available.’
Tompkins High, where James Stone taught, said in a letter to parents that he was off campus for the past week and will not return.
James Stone is being held in the Fort Bend County Jail as the investigation continues.
He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, according to Click 2 Houston.
Police believe there may be many more victims and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.