Kane Co. man, former Boy Scouts of America leader, accused of sexually assaulting at least 5 minors

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WLS) -- An 84-year-old Montgomery man who was once a Boy Scouts of America youth leader has been accused of sexually assaulting at least five children over about a 15-year-period, officials say.

Michael G. Farris has been charged with 23 counts of criminal sexual assault and 67 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office and Montgomery police said Thursday.

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Officials say that between Jan. 20, 2008 and July 30, 2022, Farris sexually abused five victims between the ages of 13 and 17.

Farris was taken into custody on Wednesday at his Montgomery home without incident.

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Officials believe it's possible Farris could have more victims.

He was involved with organizations like train club and Boy Scouts of America.

In a Kane County courtroom Thursday, prosecutors said Farris admitted to sexually abusing and assaulting four out of the five minors over a course of more than 15 years.

He also told investigators about five more victims, prosecutors said.

"After being arrested on Wednesday, Farris admitted to having sexually assaulted and abused four of those victims. He also admitted to having had contact with an additional five minors, bringing the total number of known victims to 10," a news release from the Kane County State's Attorney read in part. "Farris was involved with youth organizations, such as being a Boy Scout leader and involved in a train club. Charges related to the newly discovered victims have not yet been filed, and the investigation is still ongoing.

Farris was bound to a wheelchair and in shackles in the courtroom.

Many of the victims, prosecutors say, lived in his neighborhood in Montgomery.

One of the victims allegedly was enticed into going inside of Farris' home when the child came over to help shovel snow.

"Unfortunately, that's what happens when you are perceived as a leader or somebody you can trust in the community. It gets children to feel comfortable with you, comfortable enough to go back to your home. Unfortunately, he perpetrated on them," Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser said. "It's likely, given his involvement in the community and some of the organizations where he made sure he had access to children, that we'll see more victims."

The judge ruled that Farris remains in custody, pending trial.

Later Thursday, there was shock and dismay in a small neighborhood in Montgomery, while Farris' house sits empty.

"It's surreal. Like, I helped him move stuff, the lawn, like, we all helped each other," neighbor Keith Angel said. "It's shocking, especially in this day and age with what's going on. You never know who your true colors are with your neighbors."

He lived there alone.

Farris is due back in court next Friday. He will be held in custody until his trial, a judge ruled.

To report an incident or suspicious situation that may involve child sexual abuse, call the Montgomery Police Department at (331) 212-9091 or Kane County Child Advocacy Center Investigator Tom Ruzevich at 630-208-5160.

In a statement Thursday, Scouting America said:

"Michael G. Farris' opportunity for involvement in Scouting ended today after Scouting America learned of his arrest for sexual assault. Scouting America will cooperate with law enforcement as requested. According to the state attorney's office, at this time none of the current victims are believed to have been in Scouting with Mr. Farris.

"Farris has been banned from Scouting and will no longer be permitted to register or participate in Scouting America in any capacity. He was last registered in Scouting in 2000.

"Nothing is more important than the safety and protection of youth in our programs - it is our top priority. Scouting America's multilayered process of safeguards includes the following measures, all of which are designed to act as barriers to abuse:
- mandatory youth protection training for all volunteers and employees,
- a leadership policy that requires at least two youth-protection trained adults be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities and bans one-on-one situations where adults would have any interaction alone with children - either in person, online, or via phone or text,
- a thorough screening process for adult leaders and staff including criminal background checks,
- a ban on the use of recording devices/cell phones near bathrooms and shower houses, and
- the prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of abuse to law enforcement.

"Scouting America offers a 24/7 Scouts First Helpline (1-844-SCOUTS1) - both phone calls and anonymous texting - and an email contact address (scouts1st@scouting.org) for help reporting suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior. For more information about the Scouting's youth protection policies and our efforts to be part of the broader solution to child abuse, please visit Scouting.org/YouthSafety.

"Scouting America has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security's iGuardian program to teach youth how to identify and protect themselves from online predators. For information on how to identify and guard against online predators, please visit know2protect.gov."