Former Edison Middle School Employee Charged With Sexual Abuse

27-year old Herbert Howard turned himself into the sheriff’s department this Tuesday after a warrant for his arrest was issued last Thursday. Howard is currently pleading not guilty to charges of alleged aggravated criminal sexual abuse after he allegedly fondled a 13-year old female Edison Middle School student during school hours on Nov. 8. Howard was employed as a hall monitor at the school. If found guilty, Howard is facing up to seven years in prison.

After investigation, it was revealed that the fondling happened only once; allegedly over the girls’ clothing in an elevator at Edison during school hours. The charge includes the fact that Howard held a position of trust/supervision over the student.

The incident was brought to the awareness of Champaign Unit 4 School District on Nov. 18 and immediately alerted the Department of Children and Family Services, who in turn contacted Champaign police the following day.

Incidentally, this occurrence has come as a bit of a shock to the Champaign-Urbana community after Edison Principal Justin Uppinghouse informed Edison families last Friday of the warrant for Howard’s arrest.

“I am actually really surprised he was arrested…I was even more surprised when I heard he was accused of sexual harassment. He seemed really nice when I met him, but I guess people change,” said Freshman and former Edison Middle School student Annie Carroll.

Howard appeared in court this Tuesday, and whether the community is surprised or not, the verdict is up to the court of law.