GIBSON CITY, IL — Former Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (GCMS) teacher and coach Robert L. “Robbie” Dinkins, 38, was arrested Thursday in Macon, Georgia on a Ford County warrant charging him with six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a high school student.
Dinkins, who worked for GCMS for 13 years, was terminated by the school board in April following a third-party investigation into his conduct. He had served as an eighth-grade math teacher and coach for multiple school sports teams, including varsity soccer.
The Gibson City Police Department, in coordination with federal authorities, confirmed that Dinkins was arrested after failing to turn himself in, despite being given the opportunity. He is being held in the Bibb County Jail and will be extradited to Illinois to face charges.
Police say the charges stem from evidence that Dinkins engaged in sexual activity with a student, uncovered during an investigation that began in late March after parents reported disturbing text messages between Dinkins and their child. A search warrant executed at Dinkins’ home led to the seizure of his phone and electronics, which were forensically examined.
GCMS Superintendent Jeremy Darnell stated that Dinkins violated school policy and staff training designed to prevent grooming and inappropriate relationships. The internal investigation, led by attorney Stephanie Jones of Kriha Boucek, found Dinkins had crossed professional boundaries, including spending one-on-one time with students outside of school and communicating about personal matters.
The Illinois State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s Office is handling the case. Dinkins remains in custody in Georgia pending extradition.
GCMS is offering mental health support to students and staff through Care Solace and encourages families to reach out for assistance. “The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” said Darnell.
Dinkins had a long tenure with GCMS athletics, most notably posting a 116-24-9 record as head coach of the Fisher/GCMS boys’ soccer team. His employment history includes various educational and non-educational roles dating back to 2005.
He has not commented publicly on the charges.
