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A Michigan teacher and LGBTQ activist was arrested and charged with child sex crimes following a months-long law enforcement child predator sting.
Robert Maurice Herzing, 32 (b. Nov. 3, 1991), formerly known as Robert Moore, is an English and journalism teacher at Waverly High School in Lansing.
He was arraigned on Sept. 16 in Eaton County on charges of accosting a minor for immoral purposes, third-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct and using a computer to communicate with another to commit a crime. All three charges are felonies.
In the affidavit, an Eaton County female detective says Mr. Herzing began communicating with her in January when she impersonated a 15-year-old boy on Grindr, the gay sex and dating app.
Detective Stephanie Scheib alleges that Mr. Herzing exchanged personal numbers and requested photos. She writes that even after she disclosed being "15," Herzing continued communicating and making plans to meet who he thought was an underage boy.
On Sept. 12, Mr. Herzing was arrested at the Delta Township Library after allegedly arriving to meet the boy and go with him to his home. The scheduled meeting was allegedly the second attempt Mr. Herzing made to see the child decoy.
The affidavit says law enforcement found condoms, lubricants, penis rubber rings, "fur covered handcuffs" and a knife in Mr. Herzing's vehicle.
Kelly Blake, the superintendent for the district where Mr. Herzing teaches, released a statement on Sept. 13: "Waverly Community Schools was made aware of a criminal investigation into a district employee's conduct while off duty. The employee was immediately placed on leave. Waverly Community Schools is actively cooperating with law enforcement about the matter."
Ms. Blake later added that there is no evidence students are involved in the ongoing investigation.
On social media, Mr. Herzing showed an adoration for presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He expressed hatred of Donald Trump and frequently posted about LGBTQ and BLM issues.
In more recent photos, Mr. Herzing wore women's clothing. He also posted often about transgender and nonbinary subjects, though it is unclear if he identifies as trans.
Mr. Herzing is married to Michael Herzing. The latter is not accused of any crimes.
In addition to Mr. Herzing, multiple other Lansing public employees have been recently charged following child sex stings by law enforcement.
Muhammad El-Amin, a former Somali-American Holt High School basketball coach, was charged in May with four felonies after allegedly making plans to give a child decoy $50 and alcoholic drinks in exchange for sex.
In June, Jonathan Ten Brink, the music program chair of Lansing Community College, was charged with four felony counts that include child sexually abusive activity, accosting a minor for immoral purposes, and using a computer to commit a crime.
Former Delta Township Supervisor Ken Fletcher was arrested earlier this month with similar charges for allegedly engaging in "sexual conversations" with a child decoy on an LGBTQ app believed to be Grindr.
Mr. Herzing's next court date is scheduled for Sept. 30. His bail was set at $50,000 and he appears to have bonded out this week.
A Michigan teacher and LGBTQ activist was arrested and charged with child sex crimes following a months-long law enforcement child predator sting.
Robert Maurice Herzing, 32 (b. Nov. 3, 1991), formerly known as Robert Moore, is an English and journalism teacher at Waverly High School in Lansing.
He was arraigned on Sept. 16 in Eaton County on charges of accosting a minor for immoral purposes, third-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct and using a computer to communicate with another to commit a crime. All three charges are felonies.
In the affidavit, an Eaton County female detective says Mr. Herzing began communicating with her in January when she impersonated a 15-year-old boy on Grindr, the gay sex and dating app.
Detective Stephanie Scheib alleges that Mr. Herzing exchanged personal numbers and requested photos. She writes that even after she disclosed being "15," Herzing continued communicating and making plans to meet who he thought was an underage boy.
On Sept. 12, Mr. Herzing was arrested at the Delta Township Library after allegedly arriving to meet the boy and go with him to his home. The scheduled meeting was allegedly the second attempt Mr. Herzing made to see the child decoy.
The affidavit says law enforcement found condoms, lubricants, penis rubber rings, "fur covered handcuffs" and a knife in Mr. Herzing's vehicle.
Kelly Blake, the superintendent for the district where Mr. Herzing teaches, released a statement on Sept. 13: "Waverly Community Schools was made aware of a criminal investigation into a district employee's conduct while off duty. The employee was immediately placed on leave. Waverly Community Schools is actively cooperating with law enforcement about the matter."
Ms. Blake later added that there is no evidence students are involved in the ongoing investigation.
On social media, Mr. Herzing showed an adoration for presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He expressed hatred of Donald Trump and frequently posted about LGBTQ and BLM issues.
In more recent photos, Mr. Herzing wore women's clothing. He also posted often about transgender and nonbinary subjects, though it is unclear if he identifies as trans.
Mr. Herzing is married to Michael Herzing. The latter is not accused of any crimes.
In addition to Mr. Herzing, multiple other Lansing public employees have been recently charged following child sex stings by law enforcement.
Muhammad El-Amin, a former Somali-American Holt High School basketball coach, was charged in May with four felonies after allegedly making plans to give a child decoy $50 and alcoholic drinks in exchange for sex.
In June, Jonathan Ten Brink, the music program chair of Lansing Community College, was charged with four felony counts that include child sexually abusive activity, accosting a minor for immoral purposes, and using a computer to commit a crime.
Former Delta Township Supervisor Ken Fletcher was arrested earlier this month with similar charges for allegedly engaging in "sexual conversations" with a child decoy on an LGBTQ app believed to be Grindr.
Mr. Herzing's next court date is scheduled for Sept. 30. His bail was set at $50,000 and he appears to have bonded out this week.
