GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Robert Dinkins, a former employee of the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley School District, was arrested in Georgia on Thursday and is facing six charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
The incident came to light when, on March 30, parents of a student contacted the Gibson City Police Department. They reported that their child had been receiving inappropriate text messages from Dinkins, who was serving as an 8th grade teacher and coach at GCMS.
By April 4, the school district had placed Dinkins on administrative leave. Subsequently, after conducting an internal investigation with the assistance of a third-party investigator, the school board made a unanimous decision to terminate Dinkins from his roles within the district, Superintendent Jeremy Darnell confirmed in a statement released Friday morning.
Since then, Darnell said the district has cooperated with law enforcement but was not able to share any information about the investigation or legal proceedings in order to protect the privacy of students. He added that Dinkins was given the opportunity to turn himself in, but he did not.
Gibson City Police Chief Adam Rosendahl said in a news release that during the investigation, they seized Dinkins’ phone and other electronics, and they found information that supported allegations that he engaged in sexual activities with a high school student.
On June 4, law enforcement obtained a warrant out of Ford County to arrest Dinkins for six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He was arrested the next day in Macon, Georgia, where he is now being held until he is transported back to the Ford County Jail to await a judge.
The school district shared a statement on the investigation:
Our number one priority is, and always will be, the welfare, safety and education of our students. It’s important that all students know that if they are ever scared…sad, or hurt by someone, they should always feel comfortable telling a teacher, principal or other school adult who will help them.
Superintendent Jeremy Darnell, Gibson City Melvin Sibley CUSD #5
In response to the news of his arrest, the district is also partnering with Care Solace to provide mental health support.
This is a developing story.
