Caleb Elliott, previously employed as a football coach at Moore Middle School in Celina, Texas, is currently facing serious legal repercussions, including felony charges for invasive visual recording and possession of child pornography. These charges arise from incidents that purportedly took place during the 2024–2025 academic year, where Elliott allegedly filmed students in the locker room.
A lawsuit recently filed against the school district suggests that Elliott may have been shielded from accountability by the district following earlier instances of misconduct. Specifically, the court filings indicate that after engaging in an "improper" relationship with a high school student, Elliott was reassigned to Moore Middle School rather than being terminated from his position.
The reassignment led to further allegations at the middle school, where Elliott is accused of installing cameras in locker rooms and capturing images of students undressing. These actions reportedly prompted school officials to limit his access to certain areas, as reported by The Blaze. Elliott has defended his behavior, claiming ignorance of the law and asserting that his intent was to prevent theft in the locker room.
The district's handling of Elliott’s conduct has been met with criticism. BlazeTV commentator Sara Gonzales described the events as "traumatizing" and accused the school of prioritizing its football program over student safety. A recent school board meeting saw heightened tensions as nearly 150 parents demanded accountability and transparency. One parent's lament, "We trusted that our boys were safe," echoes the community's shock and need for answers.
NBC 5 coverage revealed that community members sought clarity from officials regarding the reporting and addressing of prior misconduct. The Celina Police Department confirmed Elliott's arrest, noting eyewitness accounts of his suspicious behavior with a phone in the locker room.
Investigators recovered twelve images of boys in various states of undress, contributing to the evidence against Elliott. The community's frustration is palpable, especially amidst concerns that previous reports may have been dismissed, leading to questions about the district's oversight and protocols.
Bill Elliott, Caleb's father and the head football coach at Celina High School, addressed the board, emphasizing personal responsibility and supporting consequences for his son's actions. State Representative Jeff Leach (R-Plano) assured the public of state-level oversight and a commitment to student safety.
Prior to the investigation, Caleb Elliott resigned from his teaching position and surrendered his teaching license. News4SA reports that the school board plans to appoint an independent investigator to determine the extent of the alleged misconduct.
The case has shone a spotlight on Celina ISD’s hiring and safety policies, with calls for systemic reforms. As the community seeks to understand how past reports were managed and how to implement corrective measures, the district's forthcoming response is of critical concern to parents, residents, and educational authorities.
