#Nix Patterson #Celina ISD #Caleb Elliott

Landmark Lawsuit Against Celina ISD

In a historic legal move, Nix Patterson LLP has initiated a groundbreaking lawsuit under Texas's newly enacted school sexual abuse accountability law. This lawsuit marks a pivotal moment for the state, as it challenges the longstanding tradition of school immunity that has shielded administrators from accountability regarding sexual misconduct against minors. The lawsuit specifically targets the Celina Independent School District (ISD), former coach William Caleb Elliott, and several high-ranking officials, representing the families of three victims from Jerry and Linda Moore Middle School.

Background of the Case

Nix Patterson's legal team is advocating for justice for these families who allege a troubling pattern of sexual misconduct by Elliott, revealing an enduring culture of negligence within the school district. Allegations indicate that Elliott engaged in inappropriate behavior, including invasive visual recording of minors in the boys' locker room, behavior enabled by the reckless hiring, supervision, and retention practices of Celina ISD.

Brad Beckworth, the managing partner of Nix Patterson, expressed that for over 50 years, school administrators in Texas operated with near-total impunity. Even in cases where they were aware of abuse, many chose to conceal it rather than report it, prioritizing institutional reputation over student safety. Beckworth emphasizes that this era is over, and the lawsuit sends a strong message to all school administrators across Texas about the potential consequences of overlooking child abuse.

Allegations Against Celina ISD

The legal complaint details alarming misconduct, including the transfer of Caleb Elliott, who had a previous inappropriate relationship with a high school student, to Moore Middle School without any disciplinary action or reporting to authorities. Instead of fostering a safe environment for students, it is alleged that the district's inaction allowed Elliott to further victimize students.

Elliott, who faced allegations of placing hidden cameras in the boys' locker room, was reportedly allowed to return to school premises, where he was later arrested for invasive visual recording and possession of child pornography. In total, over 30 families were notified due to the severity of the charges against him. The lawsuit asserts that prominent officials within Celina ISD, including Superintendent Thomas Maglisceau and Director Allison Ginn, were complicit through their negligence, failing to report documented misconduct and reflecting a culture that placed football program reputation above student safety.

The New Texas Law

Fundamentally, this lawsuit stands under the Texas law that came into force on September 1, 2025, designed to allow victims of sexual misconduct by teachers and school employees to reclaim damages. For over five decades, schools in Texas evaded accountability, but this law finally empowers victims, allowing them to pursue compensation for damages up to $500,000 against both school districts and individual administrators for violations of their responsibilities to protect children.

According to Beckworth, the passing of this law demonstrates crucial bipartisan support aimed at holding school officials accountable for their actions.

Ross Leonoudakis, another attorney from Nix Patterson, described the law as