Austin, Texas, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Russell Taylor Johns, a newly hired Texas A&M professor, was arrested for indecent exposure at the University of Texas at Austin. The incident occurred at the William C. Powers Student Activity Center, where he allegedly exposed himself to two female students. After the arrest, Johns was released on a $7,000 bond with specific conditions, including no contact with the victims. The case has raised safety concerns within the university community while Texas A&M has yet to comment on his employment status as he has not yet begun teaching.
Austin, Texas — Russell Taylor Johns, a Texas A&M University professor, was arrested for indecent exposure following an incident at the University of Texas at Austin. The arrest took place on Wednesday after an allegation reported earlier this year. Johns, who was hired to join the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M for the fall semester, had not yet commenced his teaching duties.
Johns, who previously worked at the University of Texas at Austin from 1995 to 2010, was invited back to campus in April by the Department of Petroleum and Geosciences. The alleged incident occurred at 9 p.m. on April 29 at the William C. Powers Student Activity Center, where a staff member reported witnessing Johns exposing his genitals and masturbating while observing two female students seated nearby.
Initially, officers from the University of Texas Police Department issued a criminal trespass warning to Johns based on the victim’s report, who primarily spoke Spanish. However, a follow-up interview conducted by officers fluent in Spanish led to a clarification of the incident’s details by the victim.
After confirming his hiring status, Texas A&M University did not provide further comments regarding Johns’ employment situation, as he has yet to begin his teaching role. Before joining Texas A&M, Johns held the position of Professor Emeritus of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at Pennsylvania State University.
Following his arrest, Johns was booked into the Brazos County Detention Center and subsequently released on a $7,000 bond. His bond conditions include avoiding any contact with the alleged victims and their families, abstaining from committing further offenses, and submitting to random drug testing. In Texas, indecent exposure is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor, which can result in a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
When contacted regarding the situation, Texas A&M University declined to comment further.
Background
The incident has drawn attention not only due to its nature but also because Johns was set to join a prominent engineering program at Texas A&M. His previous tenure at the University of Texas involved over a decade of academic contributions. As incidents of indecent exposure can have serious legal and professional repercussions, the incident raises concerns not only for Johns’ future but also for the university community’s safety and well-being.
Current Legal Status
As the case proceeds, Johns is expected to adhere to the stipulated bond conditions which restrict him from any communication with the alleged victims. The criminal justice process will determine the outcomes regarding the allegations made against him, which, if substantiated, could lead to criminal penalties linked to indecent exposure.
Conclusion
The case continues to develop, with public interest in both the legal proceedings against Johns and the implications for Texas A&M University’s engineering program. Reports indicate that the university is monitoring the situation closely but has yet to make any formal statements regarding the future of Johns’ position within its faculty.
FAQs
What was Russell Taylor Johns arrested for?
Russell Taylor Johns was arrested for indecent exposure following an incident that occurred at the University of Texas at Austin.
When did the alleged incident occur?
The alleged incident took place on April 29 at the William C. Powers Student Activity Center.
What are the bond conditions for Johns?
Johns’ bond conditions include avoiding contact with the alleged victims and their families, refraining from committing additional offenses, and submitting to random drug testing.
What penalties could Johns face if convicted?
If convicted of indecent exposure, Johns could face up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine as it is classified as a Class B misdemeanor in Texas.
Is Russell Taylor Johns currently employed at Texas A&M University?
Although Texas A&M University confirmed his hiring, Johns has not yet begun teaching and the university has not disclosed his current employment status.
What was Johns’ position before being hired at Texas A&M?
Prior to his appointment at Texas A&M, Russell Taylor Johns served as a Professor Emeritus of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at Pennsylvania State University.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Inside Higher Ed
- Wikipedia: Indecent Exposure
- KBTX
- Google Search: Texas A&M University
- WHSV
- Google Scholar: Indecent Exposure
- KXXV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indecent Exposure
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