Plano ISD elementary school teacher charged with sexual assault of a child
Longtime Plano ISD teacher charged with child sex abuse
A Plano ISD elementary school teacher was arrested on Wednesday and was charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child. FOX 4's Peyton Yager has more on the teacher's alleged actions.
PLANO, Texas - Police say a Plano ISD teacher was arrested on Wednesday after continuously sexually abusing a child at the elementary school he worked at.
Plano ISD teacher arrested
Paul Campbell, 64
What we know:
On Wednesday, July 8, the Plano Police Department arrested 64-year-old Paul Campbell and charged him with continuous sexual abuse of a child.
Campbell had been employed as a teacher at Brinker Elementary School within Plano ISD. He had been with the district fore more than 25 years.
Police obtained an arrest warrant for Campbell after an investigation into student reports of inappropriate physical contact that occurred at Brinker Elementary School.
Investigators said the victim is a 8-year-old second grade student, and that the alleged abuse happened multiple times on the school's campus over the past school year.
The student's parents contacted police over the July 4 holiday weekend.
Campbell was arrested in the Plano ISD Administration Building parking lot on Wednesday morning, according to Plano officials, and said he was caught off guard by his arrest.
What we don't know:
We don't know the name of the victim or the nature of the alleged inappropriate contact.
It is also unclear when the alleged abuse began, or if there are more victims.
Plano ISD bus
What they're saying:
"We were made aware of it the morning of July 4th, after an outcry was made at home by an 8-year-old student of Mr. Campbell to the family members," Jerry Minton, Plano Police Department Public Information Officer, tells FOX 4's Peyton Yager.
Minton says interviews are ongoing to determine if there are more victims.
"They are doing some more interviews, and for other people from names provided by the original accuser," Minton said.
"Whether there are more victims, I don't know."
Plano ISD statement
"Plano ISD is aware of the Plano Police Department’s media advisory regarding the arrest of a Brinker Elementary teacher, Paul Campbell, on charges related to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor student. The alleged conduct is reprehensible and is completely inconsistent with the values and expectations we hold for all Plano ISD employees.
The district is fully cooperating with the Plano Police Department as they lead this criminal investigation. Additionally, Plano ISD promptly initiated action to address the individual’s employment with the district in accordance with Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code and has made the appropriate reports to the TEA/State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) in accordance with state law.
Plano ISD does not tolerate any conduct that threatens the safety or well-being of students and maintains safeguards such as required background checks, employee training on professional conduct and mandatory reporting, along with clear procedures for responding to concerns regarding student safety.
Out of respect for the privacy of the student and family involved and because this is an active investigation, the district will not be providing further details at this time.
Members of the public with information relevant to this case to contact the Plano Police Special Victims Unit Tipline at 972-941-2044, as indicated in the Plano Police Department’s media advisory."
What's next:
Campbell is currently being held in the Plano City Jail, and is set to be transferred to the Collin County Jail.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Plano Police Department and Plano ISD.