The investigation by the Friendswood Police Department and the DEA has based on a tip that coach at the school was selling steroids. Despite the allegations and despite the arrest, the coach was well-liked.
Most of the students we talked to had the same reaction.
"He's awesome," said 17-year-old Patrick Burt. "He's just a cool guy, he's a good teacher, he's good with the kids, good with everything. I don't think he's anything bad."
Authorities believe otherwise. Timothy Todd Porter, 45, was arrested Wednesday and charged with delivery and possession of a controlled substance, specifically steroids and cocaine.
Porter was a veteran physics teacher and girls' volleyball coach at Clear Springs High School in League City. He has taught for 22 years at the Clear Creek Independent School District. Porter is now suspended with pay.
CCISD spokesperson Elaina Polsen said, "We have our school counselors here at Clear Springs High School meeting with students regularly. In fact, we've met with the volleyball team."
No one answered at Porter's League City home on Thursday. Evidence gathered there, including a computer and cell phone, say Friendswood police, suggest Porter may have had sexual contact with his students.
Two other men were arrested at Porter's home. Geoffrey Winlock Taunton, 45, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and Joshua Todd Decker, 21, is charged with possession of marijuana and a controlled substance.
Parent Afsaneh Larki said, "It's scary to know one of the teachers... He's a very experienced teacher."
While Absolute Volleyball Academy, where Porter also coached, declined our request for an interview, they issued the following statement:
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"Absolute Volleyball Academy has painfully been made aware of the arrest of one of our former coaches. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all who are associated with this facility. We share in all the concerns following the arrest of a Clear Springs High School teacher and coach on drug charges. We were notified of the allegations and the arrest of Timothy Todd Porter today.
The arrest and allegations are certainly disturbing for the directors, staff, players and parents at AVA. If, and when needed, we will cooperate fully with the police officials. At this time we have not been given any information that would lead us to believe that these allegations are in direct connection to anyone associated with our facility. We have been proactive in releasing Mr. Porter from any further employment with AVA. However, if anyone has any information that might be useful to the authorities, please contact the Friendswood Police Department at 281-996-3300."
Porter's neighbor, who is a retired teacher, offered this reaction.
Melissa Berry said, "I think it's a sadness to our profession, our teaching profession. I think it's sadness to our children."
Porter remains behind bars as of Thursday evening. Bail has been set at $10,000. He also taught at Clear Brook and Clear Creek high schools.
Authorities say they have no reason to believe any students were involved in the sale of any steroids. However, any students who may have had any sexual contact with Porter are asked to call the Friendswood Police Department at 281-996-3300 and ask for Officer Lisa Price.
