Peoria High Basketball Coach Faces New Charges After 2nd Student Comes Forward

The 41-year-old coach is accused of sexual abuse and grooming of two students at the school.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Peoria High School basketball coach, 41-year-old Daniel C. Ruffin, is facing new charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child, and grooming after a second student came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. The new charges stem from alleged sexual conduct with a second student at the school, which was reported to police a week after Ruffin was charged in a separate case involving another student.

Why it matters

The case highlights the serious issue of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors by those in positions of authority, such as coaches. It raises concerns about the school's oversight and the need for stronger safeguards to protect students from predatory behavior by staff members.

The details

According to the Peoria County State's Attorney's office, the new charges against Ruffin involve alleged sexual conduct with a second student at Peoria High School. The victim, who is now 18 years old but was 17 at the time, reported the incident to police on February 5, a week after Ruffin was charged in a separate case involving another student. The victim shared several explicit text messages from Ruffin with the police.

  • Ruffin was charged on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The new victim reported the incident to police on February 5, 2026.

The players

Daniel C. Ruffin

A 41-year-old basketball coach at Peoria High School who is accused of sexual abuse and grooming of two students.

Peoria High School

A high school in Peoria, Illinois where the alleged incidents took place.

Peoria County State's Attorney's Office

The office that charged Ruffin with the new crimes.

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What’s next

Ruffin is currently in the Peoria County Jail, and the investigation into the allegations is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for schools to have robust policies and procedures in place to protect students from sexual abuse and exploitation by staff members in positions of authority. It underscores the importance of swift action and thorough investigations when allegations of misconduct arise.