Tyler Hardy-Croskey, 25, is an eighth grade U.S History teacher at West Lake Middle School. He was arrested at his apartment in Kingwood Thursday morning. He faces 10 counts of possession of child pornography and one count of sexual performance by a child. According to Harris County court records, the victim in at least one case was one of his students.
Court records say on April 15, 2021, Hardy-Croskey had digital images of children younger than 18 "engaging in sexual conduct." A separate criminal complaint says that on or about December 22, 2020, he did "employ, authorize, and induce a child younger than eighteen years of age ... to engage sexual conduct."
The child's father in the December offense found messages on his child's phone and took them to police, according to court records.
Johna Stallings, the chief of the Adult Sex Crimes and Trafficking Division at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, which includes child exploitation, encourages parents to ask their children about Hardy-Croskey. Investigators say there could be more victims.
"Obviously, anyone who has access to children and is in a position, like a teacher, is of high concern. We are concerned for the safety of the children in the community, and we know that oftentimes, individuals charged with these type of predatory offenses are in positions where they are able to manipulate children and have access to children, so it's very much of concern."
In a statement sent to West Lake Middle School families, Principal Dr. Ken Hodgkinson confirmed the arrest and said Hardy-Croskey has since been removed from campus.
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"Humble ISD works in cooperation with law enforcement for the safety and well-being of all. Humble ISD Police are in communication with Houston Police about the case," Hodgkinson said. "Persons with information regarding this case are encouraged to contact Humble ISD Police at 281-641-7900."
Hardy-Croskey has been employed by Humble ISD since 2018. He worked as a tutor in the district for one semester before becoming a teacher at West Lake in 2019.
Bond in the child porn cases was set at $2500 each and $10,000 for the sexual performance case.
Hardy-Croskey bonded out of jail Friday night and is expected to appear in court on Monday.
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