HOUSTON – A high school tennis coach has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a student.
Taylor McClain, 43, was charged with sex assault of a child under 17 years old and possession of child pornography.
According to court records, a student said she was in a vehicle with McClain, who was her Atascocita High School tennis coach, and a 16-year-old fellow student on Oct. 20 after a tennis fundraiser. The student said she saw the 16-year-old female perform a sex act on the coach during the drive, court documents said.
When the three arrived at a haunted house, the witness said the 16-year-old texted her and asked if she wanted to join in a threesome with her and McClain, according to court records. The witness texted back, saying "no."
On the ride home, the witness said the coach asked her to drive while he got in the back seat with the 16-year-old. She said she could hear them having sex, according to the documents.
The witness said she has seen nude photographs of the 16-year-old that the girl sent to the coach numerous times between September and November.
Investigators said they found 20 images of a child under 18 years old engaged in sexual conduct on the coach's cellphone. Officials said some of the pictures included the victim.
McClain resigned from his position at Atascocita High School on Nov. 9.
Parents were shocked at the allegations.
"I think they need to go back and see who they're hiring," said Tammy Drake.
McClain's lawyer called it a misunderstanding by the girl who went to police.
"I have good reason to doubt there was any sexual activity between my client and the student in question," defense attorney Paul Houston LaVille said.
He said Humble ISD police used "Gestapo" tactics on McClain's family while investigating the case.
McClain surrendered to police Wednesday and was released on a $60,000 bond. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.
Humble ISD released the following statement.
"Humble ISD has zero-tolerance for inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. The district cooperates with law enforcement for the safety and welfare of our students. Taylor McClain resigned Nov. 9 amid the district's investigation of allegations of a sexual relationship with a female student. Humble ISD took the additional step of informing the State Board for Educator Certification of the investigation, and his teaching certificate was sanctioned. Taylor McClain began as a Tennis Coach and an English teacher at Atascocita High School in August 2010."