University of Texas at Austin, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Russell Taylor Johns, a professor at Texas A&M University, was arrested for indecent exposure stemming from an incident at the University of Texas at Austin. The charges relate to an incident where Johns reportedly exposed himself and inappropriately touched himself in a student activity center. Following a warrant issued by the University of Texas Police, he was taken into custody and later released on a bond. The incident raises concerns over safety and professional responsibilities in higher education institutions, as the investigation continues.
Texas A&M Professor Arrested for Indecent Exposure Incident at University of Texas
A Texas A&M University professor, Russell Taylor Johns, was arrested on a charge of indecent exposure related to an incident that purportedly took place earlier this year at the University of Texas at Austin. Johns was apprehended on Wednesday by the Texas A&M University Police Department and has since been booked into the Brazos County Detention Center. He was released shortly after on a $7,000 bond.
The arrest follows a warrant issued by the University of Texas Police Department stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on April 29. Court documents detail that Johns exposed his genitals and touched himself inappropriately while in the William C. Powers Student Activity Center on the UT campus. Reports indicate that a staff member observed Johns engaging in these actions while staring at students.
Allegations Unveiled
Initially, the University of Texas Police issued Johns a criminal trespass warning after speaking with a witness who spoke only Spanish. After further investigation conducted by officers fluent in Spanish, it was revealed that Johns appeared to be fixated on two female students while exposing himself.
Professional Background
Johns had recently been invited to the UT campus by the Department of Petroleum and Geosciences and was hired in July by Texas A&M University to work at the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering. The university confirmed his employment, however, details regarding his current teaching status were not disclosed. His online biography states he previously served as a Professor Emeritus of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at Penn State University and was part of the UT faculty from 1995 to 2010.
Legal Proceedings
As part of the conditions of his bond, Johns is required to abstain from contact with the alleged victims and their associates, refrain from committing any further offenses, and will be subject to random drug testing. In Texas, indecent exposure is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a potential penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Conclusion
The investigation into Johns’ allegations continues, highlighting the seriousness of the incident and its implications for both Johns and the educational institutions involved. It remains to be seen how this will affect his professional responsibilities and reputation moving forward.
FAQ
What charges has Russell Taylor Johns faced?
Russell Taylor Johns has been charged with indecent exposure following an incident at the University of Texas at Austin.
What were the events leading to his arrest?
Johns allegedly exposed his genitals while looking at students in a campus facility, and the investigation began following a staff report and subsequent interviews.
What are the consequences of an indecent exposure charge in Texas?
Indecent exposure in Texas is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Russell Taylor Johns |
| Charge | Indecent exposure |
| Location of Incident | William C. Powers Student Activity Center, University of Texas |
| Date of Incident | April 29 |
| Arrest Date | Wednesday |
| Bond Amount | $7,000 |
| Maximum Penalty | 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine |
| Employment Background | Texas A&M and previously at Penn State University |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Celebrating Volunteers: SARC’s Impact in Brazos Valley
Additional Resources
- KBTX: Texas A&M Professor Arrested
- KVUE: Indecent Exposure Incident Awareness
- CBS Austin: Help Identifying Suspect
- Fox 7 Austin: Man Arrested for Exposure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indecent Exposure
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
