by Celina, TX – Caleb Elliott, a former middle school teacher and football coach in Texas, has been charged with serious federal counts involving the exploitation and abuse of children. The 26-year-old educator faces eight federal charges for producing child pornography and coercing minors into sexually explicit conduct.
Elliott, who worked at Moore Middle School and Celina High School within the Celina Independent School District, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 12. The indictment alleges he used the internet and digital devices to coerce eight victims between April and October of this year.
The Federal Indictment and Charges
The charges specify that Elliott:
- Employed and coerced minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create visual depictions.
- Used digital devices and the internet to transport and transmit those depictions.
- Faces potential prison sentences of up to 30 years per count if convicted.
“These cases involve boys ranging in age from 12 to 15,” said attorney Paul Herz, representing families in a growing civil lawsuit against the school district. “This is about uncovering the truth for these families, not just monetary settlements.”
The Civil Lawsuit and Allegations Against Celina ISD
Along with the federal charges, multiple families have filed a civil lawsuit against Celina Independent School District. Key allegations include:
- Elliott imposing humiliating punishments, such as forcing a minor student to perform jumping jacks while fully nude to retrieve his confiscated backpack.
- An inappropriate relationship between Elliott and a student during his time as a receivers coach at Celina High School during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Allegations that the school district quietly reassigned Elliott to Moore Middle School, where his father Bill Elliott is principal and athletic director, following awareness of the misconduct.
Attorney Herz indicated that the lawsuit has expanded to include about a dozen families seeking $1 million in damages. The lawsuit is in its discovery phase, aiming to uncover facts and protect the victims.
Background and Institutional Response
Elliott was initially arrested in October but released before being taken into custody again on November 7, with charges of sexual performance of a child. He is currently held on a $350,000 bond.
On October 27, Elliott surrendered his teaching certificate permanently, according to Texas Education Agency records. The district and other involved agencies have yet to issue public statements on the matter.
Read Also: Texas Man Discovers an Hour Later He Brought Home the Wrong Dog from Day Care
For more detailed coverage on this case and related stories, visit People.com.
Protecting Our Children: What You Can Do
This grave situation shines a light on the importance of vigilance and reporting child abuse immediately. If you suspect abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is confidential, toll-free, and available 24/7 in multiple languages.
Looking Ahead
The case against Caleb Elliott continues to unfold, with serious implications for the victims and the school district. The community and legal experts await further developments as the justice system seeks to hold those responsible accountable.
What do you think about this discovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
