Suspended Coach Robert Pacey Accused Again — Jane Doe Says She Was Inappropriately Touched During Track Practice and in the Hallways at Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District
Robert Guerrero
Published May 15, 2026
Suspended Coach Robert Pacey Accused Again — Jane Doe Says She Was Inappropriately Touched During Track Practice and in the Hallways at Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District
New Lawsuit Alleges Years of Inappropriate Touching by Former Teacher and Coach, Raising Questions About School District’s Failure to Act
August 12, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 12, 2026
The Paxton-Buckley-Loda (PBL) School District is facing yet another troubling lawsuit, as a new plaintiff, Jane Doe, has come forward with serious allegations against Robert Pacey, a former teacher and coach.
Recent accusations have surfaced alleging that Pacey inappropriately touched a student in school hallways and during track and field practices.
These claims are part of a troubling pattern of misconduct that appears to have persisted for more than ten years.
The community is facing anger and sadness. People want justice as more allegations come out.
A Longtime Figure in the Community, Robert Pacey has been a Familiar Face in Paxton for Years
Since 2008, he has served as a junior high social studies teacher and assistant cross-country coach at PBL.
Over time, he also worked as a STEM and technology teacher at Clara Peterson Elementary School and taught history and civics at PBL Junior High.
Beyond the classroom, Pacey was a respected track and field official with the Illinois High School Association since 2005 and served as a Ward 3 alderman on the Paxton City Council.
He was a respected leader who played a key role in the community. But beneath this public image, a darker story has appeared.
Multiple lawsuits allege that Pacey engaged in inappropriate behavior with students, including grooming and sexual assault, over more than a decade.
The accusations have surprised those who knew him and raised serious questions about the school district’s response to early warnings.
The first lawsuit against Pacey was filed in August 2019, accusing him of sexual misconduct and claiming the PBL School District failed to act on earlier complaints.
As far back as 2009, administrators were reportedly told that Pacey needed to improve how he interacted with students due to concerns about inappropriate touching and behavior.
Yet, according to lawsuits, little was done to address these red flags.
Since 2019, at least six additional lawsuits have been filed by former students, each repeating a similar pattern of allegations: inappropriate touching during classes or track practices, unwanted gestures, and a failure by the school district to investigate or remove Pacey despite numerous reports.
, Pacey hit her on the head at a track meet and later made her change clothes in front of him in a locker room, leaving her shaken and humiliated.
Another complainant, Jane Doe E, claimed Pacey touched her inappropriately over 50 times between 2009 and 2013, starting when she was in sixth grade.
She eventually quit the track team to escape his behavior, believing no one would help her if she spoke up.
The most recent lawsuit, filed, accuses Pacey of inappropriately touching a complainant in hallways and during track practices.
Like the others, it also names the PBL School District, Junior High Principal Josh Didier, and former superintendents Travis Duley and Cliff McClure, alleging they failed to address the misconduct.
The lawsuit claims the district ignored at least 22 reports from parents, students, and teachers over the years, allowing Pacey to remain in his role until April 2026, when he was finally placed on paid administrative leave after three formal complaints surfaced.
In a statement released through the Illinois Education Association, Pacey expressed his distress over the allegations:
“This is an extremely difficult situation, and I am deeply troubled by the allegations that have been made against me, especially because of my love for the city of Paxton. I can say without a doubt I have done nothing wrong. I have dedicated my life to supporting and serving our students, our schools and community. Thank you to all of my friends and neighbors who have been so incredibly supportive during this challenging time. I am looking forward to the investigation being completed as quickly as possible, returning to work and putting this all behind us.”
ViaOngoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
As of August 2026, Pacey remains on paid administrative leave and has not been criminally charged.
A Chicago law firm hired by the PBL School District is nearing the completion of its investigation into the allegations, but no disciplinary action has been taken yet.
Meanwhile, Raveendran has asked Judge Rebecca Foley in McLean County to consolidate the lawsuits into a single case.
A status hearing is scheduled for September 11, 2026, to consider motions from the defendants’ attorneys.
for allegations including willful and wanton conduct, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of the Illinois Gender Violence Act.
The plaintiffs hope their actions will prevent future incidents and hold both Pacey and the school district accountable.
- Check other Articles on
Reshma is a content editor recognized for her ability to create engaging digital content, ensure quality, and deliver stories that connect with audiences.
Related articles
May 13, 2026
May 12, 2026
May 12, 2026
May 8, 2026
Comments
LEAVE A REPLY
Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Share article
- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...
- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...
- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...
- May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...
- May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...
