The small Texas community of Celina is reeling as frustrations mount over the handling of a former middle school coach facing multiple child pornography charges, with parents demanding answers from school officials during an emotional board meeting Monday night.
Celina Independent School District’s Board of Trustees met behind closed doors on January 12, 2026, to review findings from an independent third-party investigation into allegations against Caleb Elliott, a former coach at Moore Middle School who now faces both state and federal charges related to the secret recording of students. The 26-year-old has been in custody since November 7, with authorities identifying between 38 and 39 victims from the school’s football team, according to documents filed in the case.
“It has been 108 days since 38 families got the call that pictures of our boys in various states of undress were identified on Caleb Elliott’s phone. 108 days of not knowing who knew what, waiting on investigations to close, hopeful that justice will be served,” one parent told the board during the public comment portion, as reported by local media.
Multiple Investigations Underway
The case has grown increasingly complex, with Elliott now facing a federal indictment on eight counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, alongside state charges including invasive visual recording and sexual performance of a child. Court filings allege Elliott forced students to perform naked jumping jacks and burpees while recording them — accusations that have shocked this tight-knit community northwest of Dallas.
While the criminal investigation into Elliott himself appears straightforward, questions about who knew what — and when — continue to plague the district. Two high-ranking officials, Bill Elliott (no relation to the accused) and Moore Middle School Principal Amber Ginn, remain on non-disciplinary administrative leave pending the outcome of the independent investigation, local outlets confirmed.
The Celina Police Department has completed its own investigation, finding “no evidence of cameras previously placed in the Moore Middle School locker room and no criminal activity by Bill Elliott,” according to statements from authorities. Yet separate inquiries by the Texas Education Agency and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office remain ongoing.
Why the disconnect between what police have concluded and what parents believe? That tension was palpable Monday night as families packed the board meeting, many visibly frustrated by what they described as a lack of transparency from district officials.
Parents Demand Transparency
“That’s 108 days of not knowing who knew what and waiting for justice,” another parent emphasized during public comments, the emotional toll evident in their voice. The board, however, adjourned without taking any action or sharing details from the third-party investigation, further inflaming tensions in the community.
Caleb Elliott, who is no longer employed by the district and has surrendered his teaching license, faces potentially decades in prison if convicted on the federal charges alone. He has remained in custody since his November arrest, with court records indicating the most serious charges — production of child pornography — were filed in late November.
The case has sparked broader questions about supervision and safety protocols in school athletic programs. Multiple families have filed lawsuits against the district, claiming negligence in oversight that allowed the alleged abuse to occur.
As the closed-door meeting concluded Monday night, parents lingered in the parking lot, sharing information and organizing their response. One father, who requested anonymity to protect his son’s privacy, summed up the sentiment: “Our kids trusted these coaches. We trusted this school. Someone needs to be held accountable for breaking that trust, and we’re not going away until we get real answers.”
