Aurora Christian Schools Board Member Used Money, Gifts To Groom, Sexually Abuse Boy: Police

AURORA, IL — A man on the board of Aurora Christian Schools was taken into custody Thursday on accusations of long-term sexual abuse of children, police said.

The investigation into Michael Robert Herbert, 55, began in December, when a man in his 20s reported to police that he had been a victim of child sexual abuse beginning when he was an early teenager, officials said.

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Aurora police allege Herbert used a trusted relationship to groom and abuse the victim over several years in Aurora and other towns. He provided gifts, money and other incentives to manipulate and abuse, according to a Friday news release.

As the investigation progressed, police learned through reports made to law enforcement agencies and evidence gathered that Herbert may have had similar interactions with other boys.

The Aurora Police Department executed a warrant Thursday morning for Herbert's arrest. The "local criminal investigation" took place near Galena Boulevard and Westlawn Avenue, police shared in an alert.

Herbert was charged with the following before he was taken to the Kane County jail to await a detention hearing Friday.

• Involuntary sexual servitude of a minor under 17
• Four counts of criminal sexual assault — supervisory role victim over 13 years old and under 17 years old
• Involuntary sexual servitude of a minor age 17–18
• Three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault — defendant more than 5 Years older
• Child sexual abuse material — possession of depiction by computer

Aurora Christian Schools no longer lists Herbert as a member of its board.

"The allegations brought to our attention over the last 24 hours are deeply disturbing," Aurora Christian Schools Superintendent Collette House said to Patch in a statement. "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."

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to review electronic evidence, conduct follow-up interviews and coordinate with prosecutors about possible additional charges.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case or who believes to have had similar contact with Herbert to contact the department's investigations division at 630-256-5500 or tips@aurora.il.us.