A former Plano ISD elementary school teacher accused of sexually abusing young students is now facing three additional charges as investigators continue to identify potential victims.
Plano police announced on Monday that detectives obtained three new warrants charging 64-year-old Paul Campbell with indecency with a child. Campbell was initially arrested earlier this month on a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child following allegations involving students at Brinker Elementary School.
According to police, the investigation began after an 8-year-old student reported inappropriate physical contact while Campbell was teaching second grade at Brinker Elementary, where he worked for 28 years. During the investigation, at least two 8-year-old girls reported they had been assaulted, prompting detectives to interview additional students and witnesses to determine whether more victims exist.
Investigators said the additional warrants stem from the Plano Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
“We want to acknowledge the courage of the children who have come forward, as well as the strength and resiliency shown by their parents throughout this difficult process,” Plano police said in a statement. “We recognize that disclosure can take time, and that each victim and family makes decisions about participation at their own pace.”
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, one second-grade student told investigators Campbell repeatedly touched her inappropriately over her clothing while she approached his desk to ask questions during the previous school year. The girl told investigators the alleged abuse happened multiple times and said another female classmate, and possibly other girls, experienced similar conduct. She reportedly did not observe Campbell behave similarly toward male students.
Police have encouraged anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the Special Victims Unit tip line at 972-941-2044.
Plano ISD said it is aware of the new charges and continues to cooperate fully with the police investigation. Following Campbell’s initial arrest, the Plano ISD Board of Trustees voted during a special meeting to terminate his employment.
“The alleged conduct is reprehensible and completely inconsistent with the values, standards and expectations of Plano ISD,” the district said in a statement, NBC 5 DFW reported. “Any conduct that threatens student safety is unacceptable, and the district will respond promptly and decisively whenever allegations of this nature are reported.”
The district added that the additional charges reinforce the seriousness of the allegations while law enforcement continues its investigation.
Campbell remains in the Collin County jail without bond. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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