“Held in sexual servitude”: Jury indicts former school board member for human trafficking
By by Jennifer Emert & Ruby Annas
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HENDERSON COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — A Henderson County grand jury has indicted former Henderson County School Board member and Only Hope WNC founder Michael Absher on three counts of human trafficking of child victims.
The court records were published on Thursday, October 16. According to the indictment, the defendant, Absher, had three minors “held in sexual servitude.”
Only Hope is a nonprofit in Hendersonville dedicated to supporting homeless youth.
In a press release issued on Monday, Aug. 18, the board of directors of Only Hope WNC, Inc. confirmed that Michael Lee Absher “has been formally removed from all positions of authority.”
Per the release, Absher is no longer affiliated with the nonprofit organization.
“The safety, well-being, and trust of our clients and the community are our highest priorities,” Kyle Barker, interim chair of the Only Hope Board of Directors, said via the release. “While this is a difficult moment, it is necessary for Only Hope to completely separate itself from Mr. Absher. We are committed to transparency, stability, and moving forward with purpose.”
Absher is a former Henderson County School Board member elected in 2016, according to previous reporting. He served one term and lost reelection in 2020, per Henderson County election results.
On July 31, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 35-year-old Absher was arrested and charged with multiple sex offenses related to minors. These included two counts of statutory sexual offense with someone 15 years old or younger, the sheriff’s office said on July 31.
On Monday, Aug. 18, District Attorney Andrew Murray confirmed Absher was also charged with seven counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
As News 13 previously reported and according to court records, additional charges were filed against Absher on Sept. 16: One count of indecent liberties with a child and seven counts of statutory sexual offense with a person who is 15 years of age or younger.
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