Champaign Police have arrested Herbert J. Howard, a Unit #4 School District employee, wanted in connection with a sexual abuse allegation involving a 13-year-old student. On the afternoon of January 28, 2014, Howard reported to the Champaign Police Department after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Howard was subsequently questioned by an investigator and arrested at 2:23 p.m. for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. He was transported to the Champaign County Jail. On November 22, 2013, the Champaign Police Department was notified about the alleged abuse which occurred on November 8, 2013, at Edison Middle School, during school hours. Since the initial report, Champaign Police Detectives have been investigating this allegation with the cooperation and coordination of Unit #4 School District and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Champaign Police Detectives identified the alleged suspect to be Herbert Howard, a Hall Monitor for Unit #4. The findings of this investigation were documented in police reports and submitted to the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office on January 10, 2014.
On Thursday, January 23, 2014, Champaign County Circuit Judge John R. Kennedy issued an arrest warrant for Herbert J. Howard, 27, of 502 S. Mattis Avenue, Champaign, IL.
The charge listed on the arrest warrant, and filed by the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, is Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. The bond is affixed at $25,000.00.