BAYTOWN, Texas (AP) — A former substitute teacher in the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District has been arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor, more than a year after a Baytown mother first reported concerns about his conduct, authorities said.
Joshua Hockless, 25, was taken into custody and appeared in court Monday in connection with allegations that he sent an explicit video to a teenage student while working at Edward Franklin “E.F.” Green Junior School, according to prosecutors.
Hockless was released from the Harris County Jail on a $40,000 bond. Court records show he is subject to electronic monitoring and is prohibited from contacting minors as part of his bond conditions. A scheduled court hearing was delayed due to a judge’s family emergency, and the case was reset.
The investigation began in September 2022, when the victim, who was 15 at the time, told her mother that a substitute teacher had sent her a video of himself naked and asked her to send photos in return. The mother reported the allegations to school officials and law enforcement, but said the case stalled for months.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, the mother later contacted the media, prompting renewed attention and a transfer of the investigation to the Harris County High Tech Crimes Unit. That review ultimately led to Hockless’ arrest.
The mother said other teachers had previously raised concerns about Hockless’ interactions with students, including reports that female students were frequently found in his classroom during instructional time.
“This is straight grooming,” the mother said, describing what she believes was a pattern of inappropriate behavior.
Prosecutors credited the victim’s willingness to speak openly with her mother as a key factor in bringing the case forward and encouraged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity and communications.
Hockless has no prior criminal record, according to court officials. He faces a third-degree felony charge and could be sentenced to between two and 10 years in prison if convicted. Authorities said they are not aware of any additional victims at this time.
