Crime & Safety
FBI Seeks Potential Victims Of Ex-Aurora Christian Schools Board Member
The FBI is working with the Aurora police to investigate the Michael Herbert, 56, who was accused of sexually abusing boys, officials said.
AURORA, IL — The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Chicago Field Office is urging people to come forward who may be potential victims of the ex-Aurora Christian Schools board member accused of sexually abusing young boys.
The FBI is working with the Aurora Police Department to investigate the 56-year-old Michael Herbert, who was taken into custody May 14 on charges of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor, possession of child abuse material and involuntary servitude.
The FBI believes he primarily targeted boys between 2013-2022.
Find out what's happening in Aurorafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The investigation into Herbert, of the 200 block of South Westlawn Avenue in Aurora, 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. Aurora police alleged 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 police.
Find out what's happening in Aurorafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Investigators have since identified more men who were victims of Herbert's, but officials have not provided an exact number "due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and out of concern for victim privacy," Patch reported.
RELATED: Aurora Christian Schools Board Member Used Money, Gifts To Groom, Sexually Abuse Boy: Police
Investigators are urging anyone who believes they or a dependent were victimized by Herbert, or have information relevant to the case, to fill out an online questionnaire. Identities will remain confidential, but potential victims may be contacted by the FBI to provide additional information.
The FBI said victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.
Herbert remains in custody at the Kane County jail, with his next court date scheduled for July 22.
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