A Highland Park man who prosecutors say sexually abused a 15-year-old boy at a Northbrook fitness center pleaded guilty in February and was convicted on Feb. 17, 2026. The incident was reported to police after the teen told his mother about what happened inside the club on July 6, 2024, and she called 911. The defendant, identified as Michael A. Tobin, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and must register as a sex offender for 10 years.
Court outcome and sentence
Michael A. Tobin, 73, of the 400 block of Ashland Place in Highland Park pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery, according to a press release from the Northbrook Police Department. The village statement says Tobin was convicted in Cook County Circuit Court on Feb. 17, 2026, received 24 months of probation and must remain on the sex offender registry for a decade. The same release notes that the investigation began after the victim disclosed the abuse to his mother.
Where investigators say it happened
Authorities say the July 6, 2024 incident occurred at the Life Time Fitness at 1100 Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook, where investigators allege Tobin sexually abused the 15-year-old inside the facility. FOX 32 Chicago reported details after the village released its statement and summarized how the case moved from a 911 call to a criminal investigation. The station also relayed police warnings that sex offenses are often underreported and that other victims may exist.
Police outreach
In its April 23 release the Northbrook Police Department asked anyone who believes they or a family member may have been abused by Tobin to contact investigators at 847-564-2060 or their local law enforcement agency. The department noted that victims sometimes delay reporting, encouraged anyone with information to come forward and said those tips could help identify any additional victims. Police did not cite other pending charges tied to this case in the release.
Local context
Incidents at fitness clubs tend to rattle communities, in part because patrons include children and teens using supervision-dependent spaces, and local outlets have covered similar complaints. Hoodline previously reported on a 2025 suburban case in which a man was charged with secretly filming gym patrons in Naperville, a reminder that gyms face a range of privacy and safety challenges. Advocates and some community members say the pattern underlines the importance of staff training, clear reporting channels and swift investigative follow-up.
For now, Northbrook investigators are seeking any additional tips while the conviction and sentence offer a measure of closure for the family who reported the abuse. Anyone with information can reach the Northbrook Police tip line at 847-564-2060.
