WACO, Texas – A former Robinson man, David Brett Bankester, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The sentence stems from Bankester’s abuse of a young family member over a three-year period, beginning in 2012 when the child was just six years old. Bankester, 35, had been set to stand trial in the 54th State District Court in Waco before deciding to accept a plea agreement with the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office.
He had originally been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a young child, a crime punishable by a minimum of 25 years in prison without parole and up to life in prison without parole. However, as part of the plea bargain, prosecutors amended the charge to aggravated sexual assault of a child, which still carries a potential life sentence but offers Bankester the possibility of parole after serving 17 ½ years. Judge Susan Kelly accepted the plea agreement and handed down the 35-year sentence, which will begin immediately.
The case had originally been set for trial, but the decision to enter into the plea deal spared the victim from having to testify in court. Bankester, who was living in Louisiana at the time of his arrest in April 2021, had sexually abused the boy on multiple occasions from January 2012 to December 2015, according to authorities. The abuse took place in Robinson, Texas, and was reported by the victim several years later.
Sandy Gately, Bankester’s defense attorney, commented on the resolution, stating, “It was good of him to take responsibility and not cause the victim to have to go through a trial. As always, we appreciate the state helping work these things out so that everybody is satisfied with the results.”
The victim’s family, while not publicly commenting, expressed relief that the case had reached a conclusion, though they continue to face the emotional aftermath of the abuse.
Authorities emphasized that the sentencing brings a sense of justice, but the long-lasting impact of such trauma is something that can never truly be undone. Bankester’s conviction and sentence serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to address and combat sexual abuse, particularly within families.
