Lamar Consolidated ISD Substitute Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Possessing Child Porngraphy

RICHMOND, TX — A teacher's aide and substitute teacher in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography. Joe Cephas Ross, 51, was arrested at his Richmond-area apartment on Friday, Aug. 20.

Ross, who was employed as a teacher's aide and a substitute teacher in LCISD, is charged with allegedly possessing a "significant amount of child pornography," according to a statement from the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.

Ross had lived in Rosenberg and Austin prior to moving to Richmond, and authorities believe that he may have begun acquiring the alleged pornographic images and videos while living in those communities.

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The arrest was part of an investigation conducted by the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. While investigating Ross, deputies learned that he had worked with children in Fort Bend Count for more than 10 years.

Investigators also learned that Ross may have had inappropriate contact with three students attending Pink Elementary School, where he worked as a teacher's aide. LCISD officials have notified parents at that school about the arrest.

If any parents learn of any alleged issues involving their children and Ross or other school district employees, they are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 281-341-4665.

Ross remains in custody at the Fort Bend County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

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