Honk News (Montgomery, IL) – A suburban man, aged 84, was taken into custody this week on charges of allegedly sexually assaulting and abusing a minimum of 10 minors over a period of 15 years.
Michael G. Farris, hailing from Montgomery, is currently confronted with 23 felony charges related to criminal sexual assault and an additional 67 felony charges concerning aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Further charges are anticipated.
From January 20, 2008, to July 30, 2022, Farris is accused of engaging in sexual acts with five minors aged 13 to 17.
After his arrest on Wednesday, authorities report that he confessed to the sexual assault and abuse of four victims. He has allegedly confessed to engaging with five more minors, increasing the total count of identified victims to 10.
On Thursday, in his initial court appearance, a judge approved the state’s request to deny Farris pre-trial release.
Authorities suspect that additional victims could exist, given Farris’s connections to groups such as Train Club and the Boy Scouts of America.
“These are deeply disturbing allegations, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families as they navigate the trauma of these events,” said State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser. “We take these charges very seriously and are fully committed to ensuring justice is served. If anyone has any information related to this case, we urge you to come forward. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Montgomery Police Department for their diligent and thorough work on this investigation. Their efforts have been critical in addressing this situation, and we will continue working together to support the victims and pursue justice.”
Farris is set to appear in court again on March 7.