Waco Journal
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • News
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • News
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
No Result
View All Result

Former Robinson Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Young Family Member

by Nolan Harris
January 28, 2025
in Local News
Former Robinson Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Young Family Member

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.

Related Posts

Westbound lanes of Herring Avenue Bridge to close for month-long construction project in Waco
Local News

Westbound lanes of Herring Avenue Bridge to close for month-long construction project in Waco

May 26, 2026

Waco, TX - The City of Waco announced that construction work will continue on the Herring Avenue Bridge over the...

DFR crews rescue dog stuck on bridge pillar during difficult animal call
Local News

DFR crews rescue dog stuck on bridge pillar during difficult animal call

May 26, 2026

Dallas, TX - The Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to an animal rescue call on Canada Drive near Sylvan Avenue after a...

AFD says goodbye to longtime Chief of Staff Rob Vires in retirement announcement
Local News

AFD says goodbye to longtime Chief of Staff Rob Vires in retirement announcement

May 26, 2026

Austin, TX - The Austin Fire Department is honoring Chief Rob Vires as he retires after more than three decades...

Life Saving Award issued to DFR paramedics after cardiac arrest patient survives and is discharged from hospital
Local News

Life Saving Award issued to DFR paramedics after cardiac arrest patient survives and is discharged from hospital

May 26, 2026

Dallas, TX - The Dallas Fire-Rescue recognized a team of paramedics with its Life Saving Award following a successful cardiac...

SAPD promotes more than 30 officers during ceremony recognizing leadership and dedication to service
Local News

SAPD promotes more than 30 officers during ceremony recognizing leadership and dedication to service

May 26, 2026

San Antonio, TX - The San Antonio Police Department recognized the promotion of more than 30 members of the department...

Waco Parks and Recreation hosts preview party for Chapel Park upgrades
Local News

Waco Parks and Recreation hosts preview party for Chapel Park upgrades

April 29, 2026

Waco, TX - Waco Parks and Recreation hosted a preview event on Friday, giving residents a first look at planned...

Texas agriculture commissioner Miller praises Strait of Hormuz reopening as relief for farmers facing rising costs, hours before it closes again amid U.S. blockade tensions
Politics

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announces 2026 Texas Vintners Cup competition to recognize best wines in Texas ahead of June 5 submission deadline

by Julia Ford
May 26, 2026
0

Texas - Uncork Texas Wines, a Texas Department of Agriculture program, announced the launch of the 2026 Texas Vintners Cup,...

Read moreDetails
Gov. Greg Abbott honors fallen U.S. service members during Memorial Day ceremony in Sugar Land

Gov. Greg Abbott honors fallen U.S. service members during Memorial Day ceremony in Sugar Land

May 26, 2026
SAFD honors fallen firefighter nine years after line-of-duty death

SAFD honors fallen firefighter nine years after line-of-duty death

May 26, 2026
HPD officers connect with communities through outreach and support efforts

HPD officers connect with communities through outreach and support efforts

May 26, 2026
Westbound lanes of Herring Avenue Bridge to close for month-long construction project in Waco

Westbound lanes of Herring Avenue Bridge to close for month-long construction project in Waco

May 26, 2026
Texas agriculture commissioner Miller praises Strait of Hormuz reopening as relief for farmers facing rising costs, hours before it closes again amid U.S. blockade tensions

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announces 2026 Texas Vintners Cup competition to recognize best wines in Texas ahead of June 5 submission deadline

by Julia Ford
May 26, 2026
0

Texas - Uncork Texas Wines, a Texas Department of Agriculture program, announced the launch of the 2026 Texas Vintners Cup,...

Gov. Greg Abbott honors fallen U.S. service members during Memorial Day ceremony in Sugar Land

Gov. Greg Abbott honors fallen U.S. service members during Memorial Day ceremony in Sugar Land

by Julia Ford
May 26, 2026
0

Texas - Greg Abbott paid tribute to fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces during a Memorial Day ceremony held...

SAFD honors fallen firefighter nine years after line-of-duty death

SAFD honors fallen firefighter nine years after line-of-duty death

by Julia Ford
May 26, 2026
0

San Antonio - The San Antonio Fire Department paid tribute to firefighter Scott Patrick Deem on May 18, marking nine...

HPD officers connect with communities through outreach and support efforts

HPD officers connect with communities through outreach and support efforts

by Julia Ford
May 26, 2026
0

Houston, TX - The Houston Police Department highlighted several outreach and community engagement efforts carried out by officers and employees over the...

About Us

A community needs news and Waco Journal is proud to serve 50,000 households each month through our website covering Waco and the other local counties.

Learn more

Recent Stories

  • Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announces 2026 Texas Vintners Cup competition to recognize best wines in Texas ahead of June 5 submission deadline
  • Gov. Greg Abbott honors fallen U.S. service members during Memorial Day ceremony in Sugar Land

Categories

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • News
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
Currently Playing

© 2023 Waco Journal

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • News
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result