Former Teacher and Coach Indicted on Federal Charges
A former Celina ISD coach and teacher who has been arrested multiple times in the past month for allegedly recording middle school boys showering and undressing has been indicted on federal charges, court records show.
William Caleb Elliott, who goes by his middle name, was indicted Wednesday on eight counts of sexual exploitation of children. Grand juries hand up indictments after reviewing the work of investigators and prosecutors and deciding whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial on criminal charges.
Background of the Case
According to the document filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, between April 8 and Oct. 2, Elliott “did employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce any minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depiction of such conduct, knowing… that such visual depiction would be transported and transmitted.”
Elliott, 26, was first arrested on Oct. 3 after he was accused of secretly taking images of boys showering and undressing in a locker room. District officials said the former history teacher and football coach at Moore Middle School resigned about two weeks after he was taken into custody and surrendered his teaching license to the Texas Education Agency.
Additional Charges and Lawsuits
Elliott was later arrested on charges of possession or promotion of child pornography and sexual performance of a child.
Two lawsuits have since been filed. The suits allege Elliott had a sexual relationship with a student when he was a teacher and assistant football coach at Celina High School during the 2022-23 school year, and that the district transferred him to the middle school after learning of the abuse.
At least 30 families have been notified that images of their children were found on Elliott’s phone, according to the filings.
Possible Penalties and Consequences
If convicted, each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
The case has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the school district, and the need for greater vigilance and accountability in preventing and responding to such incidents.
Stay Informed About Crime and Public Safety
Crime in The News
Related News
Conclusion
The indictment of William Caleb Elliott on federal charges is a significant development in a case that has shocked and outraged the community. The allegations against him are serious and disturbing, and the consequences of his actions will be severe if he is convicted. The case highlights the need for greater awareness and vigilance in preventing and responding to incidents of child exploitation and abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the case:
Q: What are the charges against William Caleb Elliott? A: Elliott has been indicted on eight counts of sexual exploitation of children.
Q: What are the possible penalties if he is convicted? A: Each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Q: How many families have been notified that images of their children were found on Elliott’s phone? A: At least 30 families have been notified.
Q: What is the status of the lawsuits filed against Elliott and the school district? A: The lawsuits are ongoing, and the court will determine the outcome based on the evidence presented.
