PAXTON, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A third lawsuit has been filed against the Paxton-Buckley-Loda (PBL) School District, naming teacher and coach Robert Pacey—also a sitting City of Paxton alderman—in connection with alleged sexual misconduct spanning several years.
The newest plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe E, is the fifth anonymous individual represented by Chicago civil rights attorney Bhavani Raveendran. The suit was filed in McLean County and seeks $50,000 in damages for each count, which include battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, willful and wanton conduct, and violations of the Illinois Gender Violence Act.
According to court documents, Jane Doe E claims the abuse began in 2009, during her time in 6th grade, and continued through 2013. She alleges that Pacey made over 50 instances of non-consensual physical contact in school hallways and engaged in sexual touching during track and field practices. She eventually left the athletic program in an effort to avoid further contact with him.
“Jane Doe E was incredibly uncomfortable with Pacey, but as the contact occurred frequently in front of other staff and teachers, she did not believe anyone would help her,” the lawsuit states.
The suit also claims the school district failed to act on complaints going back 16 years, neglected to follow mandatory reporting laws, and did not enforce its own policies to protect students. It further alleges that Jane Doe E feared retaliation if she spoke up—and indeed received detention after creating a Facebook page in support of Pacey, allegedly at his request.
The district placed Pacey on paid administrative leave in April 2025, only after a DCFS investigation was initiated when one of the earlier Jane Does disclosed her experiences to a therapist.
Despite the growing number of allegations, Pacey has denied all wrongdoing, has not been criminally charged, and remains an elected official with the City of Paxton.
Attorney Raveendran issued a statement saying:
“As the number of families and individuals that have come forward continues to grow, it is still unclear what steps will be taken by the school district to foster a safer environment for children in the quickly approaching school year.”
In addition to Pacey and the school district, this latest lawsuit also names Junior High Principal Josh Didier and former superintendents Travis Duley and Cliff McClure.
Judge Rebecca Foley is overseeing the three lawsuits and has set an August 29 deadline for defense attorneys to respond. A status hearing is scheduled for September 11.
