TIPTON, IN — A former middle school track coach and custodian with Tipton Community Schools is facing serious charges after investigators say he admitted to possessing child sex abuse material and using artificial intelligence to create explicit images of a student.
Charges Filed After National Child Exploitation Tip
The investigation began in late January when the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to court records, Dropbox flagged nearly a dozen suspected files of child sex abuse material and alerted the center.
The files allegedly included victims as young as six years old. Detectives traced the IP address linked to the Dropbox account back to a home in Elwood, Indiana. Surveillance of the property reportedly revealed a vehicle registered to 26-year-old Elijah Bogard.
Police Interview and Alleged Admissions
Investigators obtained a search warrant on February 4 and interviewed Bogard, who confirmed he worked as a custodian and coached the Tipton Middle School track team. Court documents state he admitted to owning the Dropbox account and knowing it contained explicit material.
Bogard allegedly told officers he had collected such material when he was younger and accessed the account again in November 2025. He told police Dropbox deleted some files and warned him for violating the platform’s policies, prompting him to delete his account entirely.
Use of AI to Create Explicit Images
According to investigators, Bogard also admitted to using an artificial intelligence tool to create nude images of several women he knew personally. When questioned further, he reportedly confessed to using the same program on a student’s social media photo.
Court documents indicate he complained to detectives that the images he tried to generate were “not realistic enough.” Police have not recovered the AI-generated material Bogard described.
School District Responds and Terminates Employment
Tipton Community School Corporation Superintendent Ryan Glaze confirmed that Bogard was employed as the middle school track coach during the spring of 2025 and became the athletic custodian for the middle and high schools in October 2025. He was terminated on February 4—the day of the police search and interview.
In a statement, the district said Bogard was removed “immediately upon notice of the investigation” and that Tipton Community Schools is cooperating with law enforcement. The district emphasized that student safety remains its top priority.
Bogard’s Initial Appearance
Bogard was officially charged on February 9 with two counts of possessing child sex abuse material, both Level 5 felonies. Police arrested him two days later, on February 11. His bond is set at 10 percent of $25,000.
“What Can Families Do Now?” Indiana Abuse Lawyer Explains Legal Options After Coach Sex Abuse Allegations
When a trusted school coach is accused of sexually abusing a child, parents are left reeling—trying to protect their children while wondering what steps they can actually take under Indiana law. Indiana sexual abuse lawyer Jeff Gibson goes into detail about the legal options available to families, including how civil claims differ from criminal charges, when schools can be held accountable, and what support survivors may obtain through the courts.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a family learns a middle school coach has been charged with child sex crimes, what are the first legal options they should consider in Indiana?
Jeff Gibson, Esq.: Families often have two main paths: cooperating with prosecutors in the criminal case and exploring a separate civil claim for damages against the coach and, in some cases, the school district or other institutions that may have failed to protect the child.
Banville: How does a civil lawsuit differ from the criminal case the state brings?
Gibson: The criminal case is about punishment and public safety, handled by the prosecutor and focused on proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A civil lawsuit is brought by the survivor and their family, seeks financial compensation for therapy, medical care, lost opportunities, and emotional harm, and uses a lower burden of proof—typically a preponderance of the evidence.
Banville: Many parents wonder whether they can hold the school accountable when the alleged abuser is a coach or custodian. What factors do you look at?
Gibson: We look at what the school knew or should have known. That includes past complaints, warning signs, failures in hiring or background checks, and whether the district responded promptly once concerns were raised. If the school ignored red flags or did not follow its own safety policies, there can be a strong argument for institutional liability.
Banville: Some families worry about their child having to testify or relive the trauma. How do you address that concern?
Gibson: Protecting the child is always the priority. We work with trauma‑informed professionals, use victim‑sensitive interview techniques, and, when possible, rely on existing statements or forensic interviews so the child doesn’t have to repeat details multiple times. Many cases resolve through settlements, which can reduce the need for a public trial.
Banville: What kind of compensation can a civil case provide for survivors abused by a coach?
Gibson: Compensation can cover therapy and counseling, medications, educational support, future treatment needs, and the child’s pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to send a clear message about the seriousness of the misconduct and institutional failures.
Banville: Finally, what would you say to parents in Indiana who are unsure whether they even have a case?
Gibson: If a coach or school employee has been arrested or if you have credible concerns about inappropriate conduct, don’t try to sort it out alone. Sit down with a lawyer who handles sexual abuse cases involving schools and sports programs. A focused review of the facts can help your family understand all available rights and decide on the next step that best supports your child’s safety and healing.
Talk With A Lawyer About Your Family’s Next Step
Families affected by sexual abuse by a coach do not have to navigate this alone. Our legal team stands ready to review what happened, explain your options under Indiana law, and help you protect your child’s future. If you suspect abuse or have questions about a pending investigation, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation so you can make informed choices with support on your side.
