PAXTON, IL (Chambana Today) – A newly filed lawsuit is shedding light on disturbing allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct within the Paxton-Buckley-Loda (PBL) School District, spanning more than a decade. The suit, filed by three individuals including two parents, accuses teacher and coach Robert Pacey of grooming and sexually assaulting students, and claims the district failed to act on repeated warnings.
The legal action names the PBL School District and several administrators, asserting they failed to intervene despite red flags as early as 2009. That year, administrators at PBL Junior High were reportedly told Pacey needed to change how he interacted with students due to inappropriate touching and behavior.
Chicago-based attorney Bhavani Raveendran, who represents the plaintiffs, said the accusations only grew from there. “One of the main frustrations for people in the community is that there have been so many reports,” she said. The suit cites complaints from students, parents, and even fellow teachers, yet claims no investigation by DCFS was ever launched.
One student, identified as Minor A, alleges that in 2021, Pacey physically assaulted her at a track meet and later coerced her to change clothes in front of him in a locker room. The complaint describes multiple disturbing encounters spanning over a decade, yet says Pacey was only suspended or moved between roles — never terminated.
The plaintiffs are seeking $50,000 per count, with 14 total counts listed in the suit, along with legal costs. Our newsroom reached out to the school district but has not heard back.