Fort Bend ISD High School Principal and Youth Pastor Arrested for Prostitution Solicitation

On Monday, December 11, 2023, James Brian Shillingburg, 43, principal of Clements High School, was arrested as part of an operation aimed at apprehending individuals involved in illegal sex activities.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office conducted “Operation Naughty List” to target and arrest sex buyers, aiming to curb the demand for victimized sex workers. The operation took place at a Holiday Inn Express located at 5007 Highway 6 in Missouri City, Texas.

A Houston Police Detective, working undercover, posted advertisements on websites known for prostitution. Shillingburg responded to the undercover detective’s advertisement and agreed to engage in sexual activities, including deviant intercourse, for a sum of $90. Subsequently, he was taken into custody.

Fort Bend Independent School District (Fort Bend ISD) confirmed Shillingburg’s arrest and emphasized their commitment to ensuring minimal disruption to instruction and a smooth administrative transition. Shillingburg, who has over two decades of experience in education, previously served as the principal at Fort Bend ISD’s James Bowie Middle School for six years before assuming the role of principal at Clements High School in July 2022. Online records indicate additional roles, including youth RTC counselor and worship/youth pastor.