A former member of a school board in the western suburbs has been charged with 10 felony offenses in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of minors, police said.
Michael Robert Herbert, 55, of Aurora, a former member of the Aurora Christian Schools board, was charged by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office with the following:
- Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor Under 17, Class X Felony
- Criminal Sexual Assault – Supervisory Role Victim Over 13 Years Old and Under 17 Years Old (4 counts), Class 1 Felony
- Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor Age 17–18, Class 1 Felony
- Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse – Defendant More Than 5 Years Older (3 counts), Class 2 Felony
- Child Sexual Abuse Material – Possession of Depiction by Computer, Class 3 Felony
Authorities said an investigation began in December after a man in his 20s reported he had been sexually abused starting in his early teenage years. Police alleged Herbert used a trusted relationship to groom and abuse the victim and provided him with gifts and money as the abuse continued.
Detectives later obtained evidence that suggested Herbert may have had similar interactions with other juvenile males. In an update late Friday, Aurora police said detectives identified additional men who reported being abused by Herbert during their childhood.
Investigators allege some incidents occurred in Aurora, while others took place outside of Illinois, prompting the FBI to become involved.
Aurora Christian Schools released the following statement, saying Herbert no longer serves on its board.
“The allegations brought to our attention over the last 24 hours are deeply disturbing. Mike Herbert no longer serves on the Aurora Christian Schools Board. We take this matter seriously and will continue to cooperate with the Aurora Police Department in its investigation. We work tirelessly to provide a safe and supportive environment for students, and remain committed to responding to this matter with the seriousness, care, and urgency required.”
Anyone with information related to the investigation or who believes they may have had contact with Herbert under similar circumstances is asked to contact the Aurora Police Department Investigations Division at 630-256-5500 or email tips@aurora.il.us.
