HOUSTON – UPDATE Jan 26, 2025:All charges were dropped against Klein ISD cosmetology teacher Kedria Grigsby
A so-called whistleblower who first exposed a sex trafficking ring at a Klein ISD high school is still sounding the alarm.
KPRC 2’s Terrance Kelly broke the story back in April that an employee at the school had informed administrators that Kedria Grigsby “aided in the sale, distribution of underage minor females” a full year before anything was done. That worker told school leaders they suspected the teacher was involved in sex trafficking with her son.
The whistleblower, Desma Darden, came forward in a press conference Thursday at 11 a.m. revealing herself to be a former teacher at Klein Cain High School. She claims that she reported her concerns to administrators and several district leaders to no avail.
“I did not take this action simply because I’m an educator,” Darden said. “My first response was because I’m a mother. And it’s been a sickening dark pit in my stomach to know that Klein has sat on this information.”
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During the press conference, Darden revealed her daughter was a victim of the alleged prostitution ring.
“My daughter is one of the complaining witnesses, and victims. She came in contact with Grigsby through her son, Roger McGee, aka Rico. They were dating initially,” Darden said. “At one point, my daughter was on the impression that they were a couple. How the mother came into play. I don’t know exactly that timeline.”
Darden and her attorney say they intend on filing a federal lawsuit claiming wrongful termination.
“We believe that as a result of this whistleblowing, as a result of her calling a foul, as a result of her identifying and naming teachers in this particular school district, a teacher in this school district that she was retaliated against,” attorney Harry Daniels said. “All because she spoke up and she doesn’t speak up for her daughter, she spoke up for other children who were part of this sex trafficking ring. A lot of issues that stem from this, specifically with the dereliction of duty back by the school district.”
In a statement to KPRC 2, the district said when they lawsuit is filed, they’ll address it in court and not in the media.
“As we have said previously, the actions of ex-employee Kedria Grigsby are appalling and disgusting,” a district spokesperson said in a statement. “We remain committed to removing bad actors and fully cooperating with law enforcement. We are aware of the allegations made by a self-proclaimed whistleblower who is actually an ex-employee documented for poor job performance.”
Klein ISD told KPRC 2 Investigates reporter Robert Arnold that they made a call to the sheriff’s office and were told Grigsby was not a suspect in the investigation. The sheriff’s office told Arnold they never said that and wanted to know from the school who exactly told them that. Klein ISD could not provide a record of who from the district communicated with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Grigsby, 42, was arrested and charged with six counts of various human trafficking crimes, and her case is now going through the court system.
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Klein’s superintendent sent a message to parents in April saying “we are disgusted” at what had happened, especially since she too has children in the school district.
“The reprehensible behavior of this individual is not representative of the over 7,500 remarkable employees in our Klein Family who work tirelessly every day to educate our children,” Dr. Jenny McGown said.
Darden was joined Thursday by civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, Bernarda Villalona and Nathaniel Mack III as well as civil rights activist Dr. Candice Matthews.
Klein ISD full statement:
“As we have said previously, the actions of ex-employee Kedria Grigsby are appalling and disgusting. We remain committed to removing bad actors and fully cooperating with law enforcement. We are aware of the allegations made by a self-proclaimed whistleblower who is actually an ex-employee documented for poor job performance. We have not seen any lawsuits filed against Klein ISD connected to this matter, but if one is filed, we will respond appropriately in court, not through the media. Klein ISD will continue to fully investigate and address any report of misconduct or suspicious behavior made to the district, and we are always ready to cooperate with local law enforcement. Our focus now is on successfully kicking off a great new school year at Klein ISD with a continued emphasis on the safety and well-being of every student, teacher, and staff member.”