Attorneys representing families of boys allegedly recorded in a middle school locker room said that they plan to file civil lawsuits against Celina ISD, accusing the district of shielding a former coach to protect its football program.
State Rep. Mitch Little (R-Lewisville) joined lawyers Quentin Brogdon and Jack Walker outside the Collin County Courthouse to announce the actions on behalf of at least 12 families on Wednesday.
Police have told some parents that images of 36 to 38 boys were found on Caleb Elliott’s phone, the attorneys said.
Elliott, 26, a former teacher and coach at Moore Middle School, was arrested on October 3 on charges of invasive visual recording and possession or promotion of child pornography.
A separate lawsuit filed last week by three families already names the district. The new claims will invoke House Bill 4623, authored by Little and effective September 1, which strips sovereign immunity from school districts in sexual abuse cases involving gross negligence.
“I could not possibly have imagined that we would need to apply it as a remedy as quickly and as closely to home as we are right now,” Little said, CBS News reported.
The attorneys said Elliott began an improper and unlawful relationship with a high school student more than two years ago, was moved to the middle school, and was caught last year trying to install hidden cameras but faced only a temporary locker room ban.
“Instead of protecting those students, the district chose to protect itself. Instead of protecting those vulnerable students, the district chose to protect coaches, it certainly appears. Instead of protecting the students, the district chose to protect its ability to go get another state football championship,” Brogdon said, per NBC 5 DFW.
Celina ISD has placed head football coach Bill Elliott — Caleb’s father and the district athletic director — on paid non-disciplinary leave. Principal Allison Ginn is also on leave. The district hired outside attorney Ms. Ortiz for an independent internal probe.
Superintendent Dr. Tom Maglisceau informed parents on Thursday that Bill Elliott will not attend Friday’s senior night, citing a policy that bars employees on leave from district events. A petition with over 850 signatures had sought his ceremonial appearance; a counter-petition opposed it.
Criminal probes continue in Collin County and the Texas Attorney General’s office.
Celina police began investigating after two boys reported being recorded on October 2.