Ex-Boy Scout Leader Sexually Abused At Least 10 Minors, Faces 90 Charges: Police

MONTGOMERY, IL — An 84-year-old Montgomery man who was involved with Boy Scouts of America has been accused of sexually assaulting at least 10 underage victims over the course of almost 15 years, according to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

Michael G. Farris, of the 200 block of South Main Street, is facing 90 charges — 23 counts of criminal sexual assault and 67 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse — after State's Attorney Jamie Mosser alleged he had sexual contact with five teens between the ages of 13 and 17 between Jan. 20, 2008 and July 30, 2022.

Investigators believe Farris may have had more victims. Besides being a Boy Scouts leader, he was also involved in a train club, officials said.

Montgomery police took Farris into custody on Wednesday at his residence following an investigation. According to Mosser's office, he was first accused of abusing five teens and admitted after his arrest to having sexually assaulted and abused four of the five victims.

Farris also admitted he had contact with an additional five minors, bringing the total number of his known victims to 10, officials said.

During his first court date Thursday, Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo granted the state's motion to deny his pretrial release. The investigation remains ongoing.

Farris's next court date is set for 9 a.m. March 7 at the Kane County Judicial Center. The man is being detained at the Kane County jail while his case is pending.

Officials at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office and Montgomery Police Department said anyone who would like to report an incident or suspicious situation that may involve child sexual abuse should contact police at 331-212-9091 or Kane County Child Advocacy Center Investigator Tom Ruzevich at 630-208-5160.