Blackwell Elementary Teacher Indicted For Lewd Acts With A Child

BLACKWELL, TX – Tommy Chambliss was indicted on Tuesday on three counts of indecency with a child by contact. Chambliss is accused of asking an elementary-age girl to expose herself while at school.

The alleged incidents were said to have occurred four years ago when the victim was on school grounds or at a school event.

"Basically, it was an exposure type of situation where the victim was encouraged to, or asked to, expose herself," said Sheriff David Warren.

Parents of several alleged victims came forward last week, according to the sheriff's office.

According to KTXS, Chambliss is a teacher at Blackwell CISD and was suspended last Thursday after the district found out he was under investigation. Chambliss was arrested on Monday. Chambliss has had a teaching certificate since 1999. From 1999-2004 he was employed at Roscoe ISD, from 2004-2008 at Sweetwater ISD, and begin teaching at Blackwell ISD in 2008.

Blackwell CISD released the following statement:

On Dec. 12, Blackwell CISD placed elementary school teacher Tommy Chambliss on administrative leave. The District took this action in prompt response to a parent inquiry that was recognized by administrators as suspicious behavior on the part of Mr. Chambliss. The District promptly reported the facts to appropriate authorities, including Child Protective Services and The Nolan County Sheriff s Department.

On Dec. 16, Mr. Chambliss was taken into custody and booked into the Nolan County Jail just after 5 p.m. and charged with three counts of indecency with a child by exposure.

Blackwell CISD is working in partnership with law enforcement and child protection agencies to assist with the investigation into his behavior and will report on findings as the investigation unfolds.

Blackwell CISD Superintendent of Schools Abe Gott commented, "As a public school district, the safety and well-being of our students are among our highest priorities. We appreciate the assistance and diligence of the Nolan County Sheriff s Department their team of experts for promptly pursuing this investigation. We are and will continue to work closely with all agencies involved to assist this investigation and keep parents informed as this situation develops. I encourage any parents of current or former students to contact my office, a campus administrator, or law enforcement with any questions or if they wish to share any information related to Mr. Chambliss' time in our schools. Additionally, the District is making counseling services available to any student who may benefit from this service."