The Celina Police Department has concluded its criminal investigation into former Celina ISD coach Caleb Elliott for recording undressed boys in the locker room.
Chief of Police John Cullison said at a press conference on Tuesday that his team is eagerly awaiting any new evidence that arises from the sworn deposition of witnesses in relevant civil litigation.
The department confirmed that Elliott was indicted by a federal court in the Eastern District of Texas. Elliott faces eight federal felony charges of sexually exploiting children on top of three prior state charges.
These charges include invasive visual recording, possession or promotion of child pornography, and sexual performance by a child.
Elliott is accused of forcing a male student to do naked jumping jacks, though it has not been made public whether that is the reason for Elliott’s sexual performance by a child charge.
Cullison thanked the parents who trusted the department with their children’s stories, highlighting the courage it takes for children to come forward about such matters.
He also announced that the investigation was a collaborative partnership between federal, state, and local agencies—including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Unit.
The department reportedly utilized the highest level of law enforcement investigative scrutiny, interviewing dozens of witnesses and executing numerous search warrants for digital records.
Between 10 and 50 images were discovered on Elliott’s cell phone, which meets the criminal definition for child pornography.
Regarding allegations of a district cover up, Cullison said the criminal investigation yielded zero evidence of anybody at Celina ISD, other than Caleb Elliott, being aware of his actions. They also found no evidence of cameras placed in the locker room or an email having circulated about such cameras. Rather, all available evidence points to Elliott having used his personal cell phone.
Cullison is asking members of the public for any additional evidence they may have, including copies of the email that reportedly circulated regarding camera installations in the locker room.
There is currently no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing by Elliott outside of the locker room.
One allegation claims that Elliott was in a sexual relationship with a male student at Celina High School during the 2022-2023 school year, leading to his transfer to Moore Middle School.
Cullison said the boyfriend’s attorney denied investigators the opportunity to interview him, and any allegations related to that individual cannot be substantiated. Cullison referred all questions related to Celina ISD’s administrative decisions to the district.
All charges resulting from the criminal investigation concern the spring and fall 2025 semesters.
The department claims to have had no knowledge of Elliott’s wrongdoing until October 3, the same day Elliott was detained.
After having interviewed Celina ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Bill Elliott—Caleb’s father—the investigators found no evidence that he had any criminal knowledge of Caleb’s actions.
Cullison emphasized that related civil litigation could reveal more evidence relevant to his team’s criminal investigation. This is because civil litigation can subpoena witnesses, and new information often comes to light when individuals are placed under oath.
While the criminal investigations division has exhausted all evidence for the time being—concluding the current stage of the investigation—it is following civil proceedings closely to process information and file any additional criminal charges that may be warranted.
Cullison added that these types of investigations never end and that the department will remain vigilant. He assured the public that every lead will be pursued.
Cullison concluded by asserting that Celina is safe and that “the best days are ahead of us.” He said that although these types of incidents may refine the community, they do not define the community.
Previous reporting on the Celina ISD scandal:
- Celina ISD Coach Charged With Invasive Visual Recording of Middle Schoolers
- Celina ISD Middle School Coach Faces New Child Porn Charge
- Celina ISD Lets Coach Resign After Locker Room Recording Scandal
- Victims of Locker Room Recording Scandal Sue Celina ISD for Cover-up
- Lawmaker Calls for State to Investigate Celina ISD Scandal
- Celina ISD Faces Criminal Investigation Over Claimed Coverup of Coach Preying on Boys
- State Rep. Mitch Little Calls for Transparency in Celina ISD Sexual Abuse Scandal
- More Families Sue Celina ISD Over Locker Room Recording Scandal
- Celina ISD Coach Faces Third Arrest as More Families Join Lawsuit
- Celina ISD Coach Hit With Federal Child Exploitation Charges
If you or anyone you know has information regarding court cases, please contact our tip line: scorecardtips@protonmail.com.
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
