AURORA, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – An Aurora man who serves on the board of Aurora Christian Schools is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a long-term child sexual abuse investigation, according to police.
The Aurora Police Department said 55-year-old Michael Robert Herbert was charged Thursday after an investigation that began in December 2025, when a man in his 20s reported he had been sexually abused beginning in his early teenage years.
Investigators said Herbert allegedly used a trusted relationship to groom and abuse the victim over several years in Aurora and other jurisdictions. Police allege Herbert provided gifts, money and other incentives as part of the manipulation and abuse.
As detectives continued investigating, authorities said they uncovered evidence suggesting Herbert may have had similar interactions with other juvenile male victims.
Herbert was charged May 14 following a review by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office with involuntary sexual servitude of a minor under 17, four counts of criminal sexual assault involving a victim between 13 and 17 years old, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor between 17 and 18 years old, three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Police said Herbert was taken to the Kane County Adult Justice Center for a detention hearing Friday.
Aurora Christian Schools provided the following statement to WBBM Newsradio:
"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."
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing electronic evidence, conducting follow-up interviews and coordinating with prosecutors regarding possible additional charges.
Anyone with information related to the investigation, or who believes they may have had contact with Herbert under similar circumstances, is asked to contact Aurora police investigators at 630-256-5500 or email tips@aurora.il.us.
