Former Aurora Christian Schools Board Member Michael Herbert Charged With 10 Felonies In Child Sex Abuse Case

Aurora police charged 55-year-old Michael Robert Herbert with 10 felony counts of child sex abuse after an investigation into long-term sexual abuse of a teenage boy.

Herbert served as a board member at Aurora Christian Schools, a private religious school with grades preschool through high school in Aurora, Illinois. Prosecutors said his wife is a teacher at the school, and that he was acting as a tutor and mentor when he allegedly sexually abused a teenager who trusted him.

Investigation Begins In December 2025

Aurora police said that in December 2025, a man in his 20s reported that he had been the victim of child sexual abuse starting in his early teens. Herbert allegedly used a trusted relationship to groom and abuse the victim over several years in Aurora and other jurisdictions.

Police said Herbert gave gifts, money, and other incentives as part of his manipulation tactics. The investigation revealed trips to Disney World with Herbert in exchange for sex acts in Herbert's home in Aurora.

Prosecutors detailed how Herbert allegedly groomed and abused the now 24-year-old victim for years. Police said they found lubricant and latex in Herbert's basement during the investigation. They also uncovered text messages between Herbert and the victim.

Multiple Victims Identified

Since Herbert's arrest, police have identified other men who have accused him of abusing them when they were children. Aurora police are looking for more victims.

"The allegations brought to our attention over the last 24 hours are deeply disturbing," Aurora Christian Schools said 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."

10 Felony Charges Filed

Herbert was charged on Thursday with:

• One count of 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
• One count of Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor Age 17-18
• Three counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse - Defendant More Than 5 Years Older
• One count of Child Sexual Abuse Material - Possession of Depiction by Computer

Herbert was arrested and charged Thursday. At his first court appearance on Friday, a judge ordered him held in jail until his next court date.

School Confirms Herbert No Longer Works There

Aurora Christian Schools issued a statement confirming that Herbert is no longer on the school board. Officials called the allegations against Herbert "disturbing."

"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 school said.

Police Ask For Information

Aurora police asked anyone with information to contact them at 630-256-5500 or email tips@aurora.il.us.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police are hoping anyone who had contact with Herbert under similar circumstances will come forward to speak with investigators.

Herbert Admits To Some Allegations

Prosecutors said Herbert admitted to some of the allegations against him, including that there were additional victims.

The case involves Aurora police, Aurora Christian Schools, and Kane County law enforcement. Herbert's arrest and the subsequent investigation have prompted police to look for more victims.

"We take this matter seriously and will continue to cooperate with the Aurora Police Department in its investigation," Aurora Christian Schools said.

Anyone with information related to the investigation should contact Aurora police at 630-256-5500 or email tips@aurora.il.us.

This story involves Aurora Christian Schools board member Michael Herbert and child sex abuse charges in Aurora, Illinois.