Former Aurora Christian Schools board member Michael Robert Herbert charged with child sex abuse, police looking for more victims
A former member of the school board for Aurora Christian Schools is charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse, accused of grooming and sexually abusing a teenage boy for years, and police are looking for more victims.
Michael Robert Herbert, 55, was arrested and charged Thursday with 10 felonies, including involuntary sexual servitude of a minor under 17, criminal sexual assault, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor aged 17-18, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Herbert served as a board member at Aurora Christian Schools, a private religious school with grades preschool through high school.
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.
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.
Prosecutors detailed how Herbert allegedly groomed and abused the now 24-year-old victim for years. The victim came forward to police last December, telling them Herbert gave him gifts, money, and other incentives as part of his manipulation tactics.
Part of the deal meant trips to Disney World with Herbert in exchange for sex acts in Herbert's home in Aurora.
Prosecutors said after launching an investigation into Herbert, detectives found lubricant and latex in his basement. They also uncovered text messages between Herbert and the victim, which the victim had saved, including a breakup text when Herbert told the victim, "I want you to throw away everything I've ever given you."
Police said as their investigation continued, they came to believe Herbert, who also has been a practicing real estate attorney for decades, might have other victims and are now hoping anyone who had contact with him under similar circumstances will come forward to speak to them.
Prosecutors said Herbert admitted to some of the allegations against him, including that there were additional victims.
If you have any information related to this investigation, or if you believe you or someone you know may have had contact with Herbert under similar circumstances, contact Aurora police at 630-256-5500 or email tips@aurora.il.us.
The school posted a statement on its website confirming that Herbert no longer works there. Officials called the allegations against Herbert "disturbing."
At his first court appearance on Friday, a judge ordered him held in jail until his next court date.