ROISD terminates Gershon Caston, accused of child sex-trafficking

RED OAK – On Monday, July 24, the Red Oak ISD Board approved the recommendation to suspend without pay and send notice of proposed termination to Gershon Caston.

Caston and three others were arrested and accused of multiple crimes, including compelling prostitution under age 18 and trafficking a child, Dallas police announced last week. 

His bail is $450,000, according to the Dallas County jail website.

In a letter Thursday, Red Oak ISD officials said Caston was a teacher at the district.

He was hired by the district in May and was scheduled to start teaching at Red Oak Middle School in August, said Beth Trimble, ROISD spokesperson.

Caston helped with strength and conditioning camps during the summer, Trimble said.

“We had no incidents during that time,” she added.

No other staff member or student is believed to be involved with the sex-trafficking investigation, Trimble said.

“We continue to reiterate that our prayers are for the victim and hope our staff and students and their families are having conversations with their children,” Trimble said.

Police have said the sex trafficking crimes Caston has been accused of occurred this month and in June. Caston worked at multiple North Texas school districts, according to a KTVT-TV (Channel 11) report.

Caston received his Texas Educator Certificate in February 2021 to teach grades 4-8 and special education, state records showed. His certificate was set to expire at the end of January 2027.

“As a contract employee, Mr. Caston does have rights, however, we are moving swiftly through due process to terminate his employment and file the appropriate actions against him with the Texas Education Agency and State Board for Educator Certification,” said Trimble.

“Regarding Mr. Caston’s hiring, we conduct background checks on all new hires and Mr. Caston was cleared for hire in May of 2023 to begin work on Aug. 4. 

“As an incoming coach, he was asked to assist with summer strength and conditioning camps, and he did so without incident.

“All ROISD employees are placed on the Texas Department of Public Safety alert system for any arrest and have three days to report any arrest to their supervisor. 

“The district is required to report such an arrest to TEA and SBEC.

“We want to encourage our families – parents, guardians, family, and friends – to seek resources through your ISD or community for our youth. 

“Children need to feel they can speak about any concerning behaviors or actions, and we have resources for our students and families to facilitate those conversations.

“If you know of a child in danger or struggling, please reach out to local law enforcement or other resources for assistance.”