Former Gibson City teacher, coach pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a child

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WAND) - A former Gibson City teacher and coach charged with sexually abusing a student has entered into a plea agreement.

Robert Dinkins appeared for the first time before a Ford County judge on Monday, after being arrested in Macon, Georgia, on June 5, 2025.

Gibson City Police Department officers met with the parents of a GCMS student in March, who said their child had been receiving concerning text messages from Dinkins.

At that time, Dinkins was an 8th grade teacher, 8th grade basketball coach, Middle School Track Coach, Head High School Varsity Soccer Coach, and High School basketball coach.

On June 4, an arrest warrant, out of Ford County, was obtained for Dinkins for six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

GCPD executed a search warrant at Dinkins’ home and seized his phone and other electronics.

As part of the investigation, several interviews were conducted, and a forensic analysis of his phone was completed. Police said the investigation revealed there was data to support Dinkins having participated in sexual activities with a high-school age student.

In court Wednesday, Feb. 18, Dinkins pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 18. Five other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Dinkins was sentenced to four years in prison.