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Former Celina ISD Coach Indicted on 8 Federal Counts of Child Sexual Exploitation

The federal case elevates the stakes by carrying far harsher penalties than the state charges.

Overview

  • A federal grand jury returned the indictment Wednesday in the Eastern District of Texas, with the case filed in Sherman.
  • Prosecutors charge seven counts of producing child pornography for seven victims and one count of attempted exploitation, alleging coercion between April and October 2025 using his devices and the internet.
  • Each federal count carries a potential 15 to 30 years in prison, which legal experts say could exceed the punishment exposure in the parallel state cases.
  • Elliott was arrested three times since October on state charges that include invasive visual recording, possession or promotion of child pornography, and sexual performance of a child tied to locker-room recordings.
  • Parents have filed civil suits against Elliott and Celina ISD alleging prior knowledge of misconduct, and the district has placed multiple employees on leave during related investigations.