Michael J. Gilbert, 47, of Monticello, was charged in White County on Nov. 9 in a case involving alleged online sexual conduct with two minors. One victim was from Boise, Idaho. The affidavit says Gilbert communicated with that teen online from June 6, 2024, through early April 2025, while she was 17, and later engaged in a sexual video call from a restroom at Twin Lakes High School on or about April 2, 2026.

The teen told investigators she first met a man using teacher-themed usernames on Chatib. Their conversations later moved to live video calls. She said she told him she was 17 and still in high school, and that he continued communicating with her.

According to the affidavit, the teen reported that Gilbert exposed himself during many of their calls and repeatedly asked her to expose herself or perform sexual acts on camera. She sometimes refused, but said she complied on some occasions. The affidavit also describes a call when Gilbert allegedly asked her to get in the shower and show him her body.

Investigators linked the online accounts to an internet connection at Gilbert’s Monticello residence. The affidavit says the teen recognized a tattoo seen during a video call, and investigators later photographed a matching tattoo on Gilbert. A search of his phone also found videos investigators said were consistent with footage the teen had preserved.

During a recorded interview, Gilbert reportedly acknowledged using Chatib and communicating with someone he knew as “Carmen,” and masturbating during video calls with her. He said he believed she initially told him she was 18 and in college, but acknowledged she also told him she was 17 and in high school and that he continued the calls afterward.

The affidavit also describes a second minor who reportedly saw Gilbert masturbating during one of the calls. 

Investigators also submitted six images recovered from electronic devices for an age assessment. According to the affidavit, two images were assessed as depicting children under 12. Four others appeared to depict children under 12 or under 16, depending on the image.

Charges filed November 9,2026:

Promotion of child sexual trafficking, Level 3 felony

Child exploitation, Level 4 felony

Child exploitation, Level 5 felony

Possession of child sex abuse material, Level 5 felony

Two counts of performance before a minor that is harmful to minors, Level 6 felony

Activity related to obscene performance, Class A misdemeanor