Former Henderson County School Board Member Faces Felony Satutory Sexual Offenses

Henderson County --  August 1. 2025: On Thursday, July 31, 2025, after a disclosure of sexual assaults of juveniles, the Criminal Investigations Division Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in East Flat Rock, NC.

Michael Lee Absher, age 35, became a school board member in 2016 until 2020. He was arrested and charged with two counts of Statutory Sexual Offense with a Person who is 15 Years of Age or Younger.

Michael Absher appeared before a Magistrate who issued a secured bond set at $300,000.00.
• According to the NC General Statue § 14-27.30(a) A defendant is guilty of a Class B1 felony  if the defendant engages in a sexual act with another person who was 15 years of age or younger and the defendant is at least 12 years old and at least six years older than the person except when the defendant is lawfully married to the person.

This incident is part of an ongoing investigation, and no other information will be released at this time. 

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

                           Michael Lee Absher

WNCTimes

Image: Henderson County Sheriff's Office

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