Pioneering Texas Lawsuit Initiated Against Celina ISD for Student Abuse

Landmark Lawsuit Filed Against Celina ISD

In a groundbreaking legal action, Nix Patterson, a Texas-based law firm, has filed a lawsuit under the newly enacted sexual abuse accountability law in Texas, against Celina Independent School District (ISD) and former coach William Caleb Elliott. This case represents one of the initial significant applications of this law, aimed at protecting students from sexual predators within educational institutions.

Overview of the Allegations

The lawsuit was filed in the Collin County District Court and represents the families of three minor students from Jerry and Linda Moore Middle School. The plaintiffs allege a pervasive culture of misconduct and negligence within the school environment. At the heart of the case is the conduct of former coach and teacher, Caleb Elliott, who is accused of sexual impropriety, including the placement of hidden cameras in the boys' locker room.

Nix Patterson's complaint outlines serious allegations against Celina ISD for their failure to address the misconduct involving Elliott, who had been informed by school authorities about his inappropriate behavior as early as the 2022-23 school year. Instead of investigating or reporting the allegations as mandated, school administrators opted to transfer him to Moore Middle School where he interacted closely with minors.

A Changed Legal Landscape

For decades, school administrators in Texas have operated with a significant degree of immunity, rarely facing consequences for enabling or ignoring sexual misconduct. However, the recent legislative changes enacted in the 88th Legislative Session have now opened the door for accountability. Under this law, which came into effect on September 1, 2025, school districts and administrators can be held liable for up to $500,000 in damages if they fail to protect students from sexual abuse.

Brad Beckworth, Managing Partner at Nix Patterson, expressed the importance of this legal shift, stating, "For over fifty years, school administrators in Texas could evade responsibility for their complicity in abuse situations. This lawsuit sends a clear message that any administrator who conceals or ignores abuse will face personal consequences."

Details of Elliott's Conduct

The lawsuit highlights a disturbing pattern of behavior exhibited by Caleb Elliott, illustrating a blatant disregard for the safety of the students. Claims include that he recorded minor children without their consent in areas where they should have felt safe. Such acts of gross invasion were reportedly enabled through grossly negligent hiring and supervision practices by the school district.

Despite being aware of previous misconduct involving Elliott, which included inappropriate relations with a high school student, Celina ISD administrators allowed him to retain access to the children. Reports suggest that rather than taking definitive action against him, they merely instituted superficial measures, which did not protect the students from further harm.

Ultimately, investigators uncovered that Elliott was in possession of illicit images of minors, with numerous families being affected by the repercussions of his actions. This raises substantial questions regarding both administrative accountability and the policies surrounding student safety within schools.

A Call to Action for Victims and Witnesses

The law firm is actively encouraging anyone with knowledge of further misconduct, particularly related to Celina ISD, to come forward. Through this case, Nix Patterson is not only seeking justice for the affected families but also aiming to instigate meaningful change in the policies governing schools across Texas.

Ross Leonoudakis, another attorney with Nix Patterson, noted, "This new law gives victims the necessary tools to hold school districts accountable when they overlook predatory behavior. It is imperative for every parent and educator to recognize the gravity of this situation and to ensure that our schools are secure environments for children to learn and grow."

Nix Patterson's commitment to standing up for survivors of sexual abuse remains unwavering, as they surround their clients with advocacy and support throughout the legal process. As the trial progresses, all eyes will be on Texas to see how this landmark case may redefine accountability in educational institutions and pave the way for future reforms.

For more information or to reach out if you have been affected, Nix Patterson can be contacted at 512-768-9747 or through their website at www.Nixlaw.com.