A member of the Aurora Christian Schools board was taken into custody Thursday and hit with multiple felony counts tied to alleged sexual abuse of a minor, according to police. Investigators say the victim, now a man in his 20s, reported that the abuse began when he was in his early teens and that the suspect allegedly groomed him with money, gifts and other perks. Police identified the suspect as 55-year-old Michael Robert Herbert of Aurora. He remains jailed and is expected in court Friday. Detectives say they suspect there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to speak up.
Police ask for tips
The Aurora Police Department is asking anyone who may have had contact with Herbert under similar circumstances to reach out to its Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500 or email [email protected]. The Aurora Police Department lists that phone number and email address as its official investigative tip lines.
Charges and alleged grooming
According to CBS Chicago, Herbert faces 10 felony counts, including involuntary sexual servitude of a minor under 17, criminal sexual assault, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor aged 17 to 18, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and possession of child sexual abuse material. Police and prosecutors told the station that the alleged victim first came forward in December 2025 and reported being groomed over several years in Aurora and nearby communities, with Herbert allegedly offering money, gifts and other incentives. CBS Chicago also reports Herbert is being held in Kane County and is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
Where he is being held
Herbert is currently housed at the Kane County Adult Justice Center, the county detention facility located along Route 38 in St. Charles. Kane County describes the Adult Justice Center as its 24/7 detention facility on Rt. 38.
School context
Aurora Christian Schools operates a K to 12 program in Aurora, with public listings identifying a primary campus on Sullivan Road. Records from MapQuest and the school show the Sullivan Road campus among the district's locations. The arrest of a school board member is likely to raise tough questions for families and community leaders as investigators continue to track down leads.
