School official arrested in sex sting

(3/22/06 - KTRK/TOMBALL, TX) (KTRK) -- A Tomball ISD administrator is charged with prostitution -- accused of soliciting sex at a park during spring break.

Michael McWhirter, 57, was placed on leave by the Tomball Independent School District on Monday. Eyewitness News has learned he resigned his position on Tuesday. McWhirter was arrested last week in a police sex sting.

Inside a bird watching shed at Tomball's Theis Attaway Park last Wednesday, police say McWhirter propositioned a man, not knowing he was an undercover officer.

Sgt. Gary Hammond with the Tomball Police Department explained, "The conversation turned to a sexual nature and Mr. McWhirter asked for sexual favors for a small amount of money."

The officer was wearing a wire. The whole conversation was recorded on tape. McWhirter was immediately arrested.

Resident Michelle Spradley said, "I'm surprised. I've never been to this park before. But that's very surprising."

Spradley brought her son to the park on Wednesday because she thought it looked like a nice, peaceful place for a walk. Though, as we told her about the arrest and how police are trying to crack down on public sex acts at the park, Spradley clearly changed her perception.

"If there's stuff like that going on, then we probably won't come back," she said.

McWhirter was a 23 year veteran employee with the Tomball school district, last holding the position of director of instructional resources. He also worked for years as principal at Tomball High School. McWhirter has posted bond and was released from jail. If convicted, he could face up to six months in jail.

This story was brought to you as part of our partnership with Houston Community Newspapers. You can read more about it in the Tomball Potpourri.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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