A Silver Valley man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following his guilty plea to sexually abusing two of his children, with a judge imposing a harsher penalty than prosecutors had recommended.
Robin Bainter, 37, was sentenced Monday at Shoshone County Courthouse by Judge Lansing Haynes. The sentence consists of six years fixed and six years indeterminate, meaning Bainter must serve at least the fixed portion before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
Charges and Arrest
Bainter was arrested in October 2025 and initially faced four charges: two counts of sexual abuse of a minor under 16 and two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16. Each sexual abuse count carried a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
He pleaded not guilty in November but accepted a plea agreement in March that dismissed two lewd conduct charges and one count of sexual abuse, allowing him to plead guilty to the remaining charges.
Judge’s Departure From Agreement
The sentence imposed exceeded what prosecutors had planned to recommend under the plea agreement. Prosecutors had intended to seek 18 years in prison—six years fixed and 12 years indeterminate—but Judge Haynes departed from that recommendation, increasing the fixed portion by six years.
The judge also disregarded a request from one victim’s mother, who had asked that Bainter receive the maximum allowable sentence. During a pretrial hearing, the mother testified about the lasting harm caused by Bainter’s actions.
“No amount of effort can restore what was broken,” the victim’s mother said. “My child should not have to carry a life sentence for what he did to her, while he, as the responsible person, receives anything less than the maximum accountability permitted by law.”
Evidence and Admission
The case originated when the victim’s mother reported the allegations to Osburn Police. Officer David Bishop investigated and obtained admissions from Bainter during a police interview. Bainter also admitted to the conduct in text messages sent to the victim’s mother.
When questioned by police, Bainter said, “I’m sorry, just take me.”
During the investigation, Bainter claimed that medication had caused “brain fog” and impaired his judgment. One victim testified at the pretrial hearing.
Deputy Prosecutor Britney Jacobs acknowledged the emotional toll of the victim’s testimony on the case. “She did a wonderful job,” Jacobs said. “But I know that that caused her even more harm.”
What Comes Next
Bainter will begin serving his 12-year sentence at a state correctional facility. The fixed portion of his sentence establishes the minimum time he must serve before becoming eligible for parole review. As an indeterminate sentence, the total length of incarceration will ultimately be determined by parole board decisions after the six-year fixed term is completed.