Parnell Elementary Staff Member Turns Himself In

Photo Courtesy of Rita Shipp

This is a follow up from a previously shared news report.

A 53-year-old man connected to an ongoing investigation at Parnell Elementary School has turned himself in.

According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Calvin Gordon Knighten of Midland voluntarily surrendered at the Jasper County Jail shortly after 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Knighten is facing three Class C misdemeanor charges of assault by offensive contact.

Jasper Police Chief Garrett Foster confirmed the charges, which stem from allegations that previously led to the removal of a staff member from Parnell Elementary and triggered a police investigation.

School officials state that Parnell administrators took immediate action upon learning of the allegations, including notifying law enforcement and fully cooperating with the investigation.

Knighten has pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment held before Jasper Municipal Judge Robert Jackson.

The East Texas Banner will continue to monitor this story and provide updates once they become available.