Celina, Texas, January 14, 2026
An independent investigation by the Celina Independent School District found no prior misconduct related to former coach Caleb Elliott, who has been arrested on serious charges. The investigation, conducted by attorney Giana Ortiz, interviewed numerous witnesses but has been met with skepticism from the community regarding its thoroughness. In response to the incident, Celina ISD is implementing updated policies and additional training aimed at student safety while facing calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Celina ISD Investigation Concludes No Prior Misconduct by Coach
A community grapples with concerns over student safety and district policies
The city of Celina, Texas, is currently vocal about the findings of an independent investigation regarding former coach William “Caleb” Elliott. Commissioned by the Celina Independent School District (ISD), the investigation was conducted by Arlington attorney Giana Ortiz and interviewed around 39 witnesses, concluding that there was no evidence suggesting that district employees were aware of any previous misconduct before Elliott’s hiring.
Caleb Elliott, 26, was arrested in October 2025 on serious charges, including invasive visual recording and possession of child pornography, leading to his swift resignation as the coach at Moore Middle School. The investigation served to clarify the district’s hiring processes and employee awareness regarding Elliott’s background.
Key Findings of the Investigation
- An independent investigation found no red flags or prior incidents involving Caleb Elliott that would have affected his employment.
- The review included interviews with current and former employees, pointing to a lack of knowledge concerning Elliott’s past among the district staff.
- Despite these findings, much skepticism remains in the community about the adequacy of the process.
Response and Ongoing Measures
In light of the incident, Celina ISD is demonstrating a commitment to ensure the safety of its students. The district has implemented updated locker-room policies and plans to provide additional training through the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County to proactively address potential future issues.
Concerns Over Investigation Thoroughness
Nevertheless, community members have raised critical voices regarding the investigation’s thoroughness and transparency. Families affected by the allegations are asking important questions about the processes that led to Elliott’s hiring and whether appropriate safeguards are in place to protect students moving forward.
The Path Ahead for Celina ISD
Despite the investigation clearing district employees of wrongdoing, Celina ISD has been placed in a difficult position, facing heightened scrutiny over its policies on handling allegations of misconduct. The community’s demand for accountability includes significant calls for more comprehensive reforms and greater oversight in the future to protect students and build trust in the district’s leadership.
Conclusion: A Community in Vigilance
As Celina ISD strives to reaffirm its commitment to a safe educational environment, it also faces the challenges of community trust and expectations for transparency. The district has encouraged individuals with information to come forward and continues to work on reforming policies to prevent future incidents. As the situation evolves, community vigilance remains critical in fostering an environment where students can thrive safely.
For ongoing updates, residents and interested individuals are urged to stay engaged and informed about the developments surrounding Celina ISD.
Key Features of the Investigation and Community Response
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investigation Findings | No prior misconduct found regarding Caleb Elliott; 39 witnesses interviewed. |
| Charges Against Elliott | Invasive visual recording and possession of child pornography. |
| District Actions | Updating locker-room policies; planning additional training. |
| Community Concerns | Questions over investigative thoroughness and district knowledge. |
| Future Directions | Commitment to reforms and increased transparency in handling misconduct. |
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