Stevie Wonder Impersonator Pleads No Contest to Underage Sex Crimes

Tino Ibach faces sentencing next month after being found competent to stand trial

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:06pm

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A local Stevie Wonder impersonator named Tino Ibach has pleaded no contest to charges of inappropriately touching a 3-year-old girl at a Bakersfield convenience store last summer. Ibach was previously found incompetent to stand trial but was ultimately deemed competent in December 2025. He is now set for sentencing on April 17, 2026.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual crimes against minors and the challenges of determining mental competency to stand trial. It also raises concerns about the potential exploitation of children by individuals in positions of trust or authority, even those in entertainment roles.

The details

According to court records, the incident occurred on June 30, 2025, when Ibach allegedly grabbed the 3-year-old girl's hands inside a Stockdale Highway gas station. Surveillance footage helped police identify Ibach, who was arrested the following day at his residence. During questioning, officers also discovered a video on Ibach's phone depicting a minor in a bathing suit.

  • The incident occurred on June 30, 2025.
  • Ibach was found incompetent to stand trial twice in August 2025.
  • Ibach was ultimately deemed competent to stand trial in December 2025.
  • Ibach pleaded no contest on March 10, 2026.
  • Ibach is set for sentencing on April 17, 2026.

The players

Tino Ibach

A local Stevie Wonder impersonator who has been charged with inappropriately touching a 3-year-old girl and possessing a video of a minor in a bathing suit.

Snappy's

A Stockdale Highway gas station where the alleged incident involving Ibach and the 3-year-old girl occurred.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Ibach's sentencing on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect vulnerable children from exploitation, as well as the need for a thorough and fair judicial process when dealing with complex mental health issues.