Lake County Prosecutor's Office

Lake County Prosecutor's Office The Lake County Prosecutor's Office is the State's representative in all criminal matters occurring in Lake County. This page is not for emergency use.

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Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerLake County Prosecutor's OfficeSTATE OF INDIANA v. MARQUIS FALLSCau...
06/05/2026

Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer
Lake County Prosecutor's Office

STATE OF INDIANA v. MARQUIS FALLS
Cause No. 45G04-2109-F6-2294

LAKE COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE ANNOUNCES SENTENCING OF MARQUIS FALLS

CROWN POINT, IN — Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced that Marquis Falls has been sentenced following his conviction for Criminal Confinement, Neglect of a Dependent, and Resisting Law Enforcement stemming from a 2021 incident involving an infant child.

Falls received the following sentences:
• Count I – Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony: 2 years in the Indiana Department of Correction
• Count II – Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor: 1 year in the Indiana Department of Correction
• Count III – Criminal Confinement, Level 2 Felony: 25 years in the Indiana Department of Correction

The Court ordered all sentences to be served concurrently, resulting in an executed sentence of 25 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.

The charges arose from a dangerous incident in which Falls used an infant as a shield during a police response before fleeing the scene and leaving the child in a hazardous environment.

Prosecutor Carter thanked Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Miliana Petersen and Bradley Carter for their dedication and determination. Prosecutor Carter also thanked the many law enforcement officers and investigators whose dedication and professionalism were instrumental in securing justice in this case, including Detective James Nielsen and Detective Darryl Gordon of the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force, Detective Del Flores of the Gary Police Department, Detective Javier Garza of the Gary Police Department SWAT Division, Special Agent Steven Mallon and Special Agent Nielsen of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Detective Olivia Vasquez.

"The successful prosecution of this case reflects the outstanding collaboration among local, county, and federal law enforcement partners committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community," said Prosecutor Carter.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna MaldonadoPublic Information Officermmaldonado@lakepros.orgOnline Tips for National I...
06/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado
Public Information Officer
[email protected]

Online Tips for National Internet Safety Month

In 2005, the U.S. Senate designated June as National Internet Safety Month to raise awareness of internet dangers and highlight the need for education about online safety.

For prosecutors in particular, June is a time to highlight youth safety, especially for kids with social media access, as online risks have increased dramatically over the years.

In 2025, there was a staggering increase nationally in the number of reports the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline received related to online enticement of children for sexual acts. Enticement is when a person communicates with someone believed to be a child on the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction.

This type of crime may include sextortion, in which a child is being groomed to take sexually explicit images or ultimately meet face-to-face with someone for sexual purposes, or to engage in a sexual conversation online or, in some instances, to sell or trade the child’s sexual images. This type of victimization takes place across every type of platform, including online gaming, social media, and messaging apps, according to NCMEC.

“Children and teens are accessing technology earlier than ever, increasing the need for proactive education and monitoring,” said Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter. “The goal of Internet Safety Month is to promote protective measures and encourage early digital safety conversations at home.”

Prosecutor Carter explained there are several safety tips parents and guardians can follow with their kids. Building trust, having open communication, and setting boundaries are crucial. Parents should:
• Set clear rules around screen time, social media use, and online gaming.
• Only use apps and platforms with verified parental controls and privacy settings.
• Supervise internet access and teach basic online safety rules such as not clicking on unknown links, not accepting friend requests from strangers, and not sharing locations.
• Keep devices in shared spaces and teach kids about 'safe strangers' online.
• Start conversations early about digital footprints, encouraging them to be cautious about sharing personal information and pictures online.
• Regularly review your child’s apps, privacy settings, and device activity.

Prosecutor Carter encourages community members to report suspicious online behavior to law enforcement immediately, including cyberbullying, exploitation attempts, or impersonation.
“Educate your kids at a young age to report to an adult right away when they feel uncomfortable in a situation online,” Prosecutor Carter said. “Point out red flags to look for (asking for pictures or money), and the precautions to take when situations turn dangerous.”

Other resources for online safety include:
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• June is Internet Safety Month — Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse & Su***de
• Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force: Parenting Tips
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Malddonado Public Information OfficerDERRICK C. POUNCEY SENTENCED TO 176 YEARS FOR ...
06/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Malddonado Public Information Officer

DERRICK C. POUNCEY SENTENCED TO 176 YEARS FOR DOUBLE MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER

CROWN POINT, IN — The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office announces that Derrick C. Pouncey has been sentenced to a total of 176 years in the Indiana Department of Correction following his conviction on multiple felony offenses stemming from a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of two victims and seriously injured a third. The defendant was previously found guilty on all charges following a jury trial in Lake County Superior Court.

At sentencing, the Court imposed the following consecutive sentences:

Count I – Murder: 60 years DOC
Count II – Murder: 60 years DOC
Count III – Attempted Murder (Level 1 Felony): 35 years DOC
Count VII – Domestic Battery (Class A Misdemeanor): 1 year DOC
Firearm Enhancement to Count I: 20 years DOC

Total Sentence: 176 Years in the Indiana Department of Correction

The convictions stem from the April 10, 2024 shooting deaths of Kyle Matthews and Klorya Matthews, as well as the shooting of Malieke Thomas, who survived but sustained catastrophic injuries. The investigation was led by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force and the Indiana State Police.

Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter commended the efforts of the prosecution team and law enforcement partners whose dedication and professionalism resulted in the successful prosecution and sentencing of the defendant.

Prosecutor Carter extends his sincere appreciation to Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Lindsey Lanham and Maureen Koonce for their tireless work and commitment throughout the prosecution of this case.

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office also recognizes the following law enforcement officers, investigators, and witnesses whose efforts were instrumental in securing justice:

Law Enforcement & Investigators
Officer Joseph Vonbank
Officer Ann Malinoff
CSI Detective Alan Magurany
CSI Detective David Bloch
Lead Detective Roger Escutia
Detective Shawn Singleton (Chicago Police Department)
CSI Detective Sam Perez (Fi****ms)
Dr. Cynthia Galvan
Dr. Shiping Bao, Forensic Pathologist
Karry Speichert, Viapath Site Administrator

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims, supporting survivors, and holding violent offenders accountable through strong partnerships with law enforcement and the community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado Public Information OfficerLake County Jury Finds Dennis Bell Guilty on 11...
06/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado Public Information Officer

Lake County Jury Finds Dennis Bell Guilty on 11 Counts Including Multiple Methamphetamine Dealing Charges

CROWN POINT, IN — Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announces that defendant Dennis Bell was found guilty by a jury on 11 criminal counts following trial in Lake Superior Court.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on the following charges:

• Three counts of Dealing in Methamphetamine, each as a Level 2 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine as a Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Co***ne as a Level 6 Felony
• Unlawful Possession of a Syringe as a Level 6 Felony
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance as a Level 6 Felony
• Four misdemeanor offenses, including possession-related charges and possession of paraphernalia

“This verdict reflects the serious consequences of dealing dangerous narcotics in our communities,” said Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter. “Methamphetamine continues to devastate families and neighborhoods across Lake County, and our office remains committed to holding drug traffickers accountable.”

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office recognizes the dedicated efforts of the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group (PCMEG) and thanks all involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Prosecutor Carter thanks Deputy Prosecutors Lauren Lanham and Maureen Koonce for their dedication to this case and to the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group for their work and commitment throughout the investigation, including: Special Agent Clayton Poore, Corporal Mark Speckhard, Captain Matthew Edwards, Aaron Miersma, and Trevor Cutis and Aleea Rech. Their investigative efforts and collaboration were instrumental in securing these convictions.

Bell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerBenjamin Price Sentenced to 76 Years in Indiana...
05/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer

Benjamin Price Sentenced to 76 Years in Indiana Department of Correction

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced today that Benjamin Price was sentenced to a total of 76 years in the Indiana Department of Correction following his conviction in Lake Superior Court.

The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the dedication of law enforcement and prosecution teams who worked tirelessly to secure justice in the case.
Prosecutor Carter commended Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Milana Peterson and her team for their commitment, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of justice throughout the proceedings.
“Deputy Prosecutor Milana Peterson and her team demonstrated outstanding dedication in handling this case from beginning to end,” said Prosecutor Carter. “Their hard work, preparation, and commitment to the victims and the community helped ensure accountability was achieved.”

Prosecutor Carter also extended his appreciation to the Hobart Police Department for its investigative efforts and continued partnership with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The work of the Hobart Police Department was instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion,” Carter said. “We are grateful for the professionalism and persistence of the detectives and officers involved.”

05/20/2026

🚨 Training Opportunity for Allied Professionals 🚨
The Lake County SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) is hosting an important multi-disciplinary training tomorrow: "Beyond the Evidence: Navigating Trauma in Sexual Assault Investigation"

This training is designed for professionals working with survivors and will focus on trauma-informed responses, investigative best practices, collaboration, and understanding disclosures.

✨ A few seats are still available!
✨ CEUs available for attendees

Thank you to Legacy Foundation and Lake County Prosecutor's Office for helping bring valuable education and collaboration opportunities to Northwest Indiana. 💜

For questions or registration information:
📧 [email protected]
📞 219-777-3892

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerDefendant Found Guilty on All Four Counts Follo...
05/13/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer

Defendant Found Guilty on All Four Counts Following Jury Trial

CROWN POINT, IN — Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced that a jury has found Dannie Lee Moore (Cause No. 45G01-2509-F2-000078) guilty on all four felony counts following a trial in Lake County Superior Court.

Moore was found guilty of the following offenses:
• Burglary, a Level 2 Felony
• Burglary, a Level 3 Felony
• Burglary, a Level 4 Felony
• Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon, a Level 5 Felony

The charges stemmed from a September 27, 2025 home invasion investigation conducted by the Hobart Police Department. Evidence presented during trial established that Moore forcibly entered the victim’s residence, shot the victim, and stole his wallet.

Prosecutor Carter also expressed appreciation to Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Madeline Clement and Keith Anderson for their preparation and presentation of the case at trial.

He further thanked Detective Andres Bustos, the lead detective, along with Officer W. Jones from the Hobart Police Department for their professionalism and dedication throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 25th at 8 am.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerJoyce Found GuiltyLake County Prosecutor Berna...
05/13/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer

Joyce Found Guilty

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced that a jury has found defendant Juan Quintiones Joyce guilty (Cause No. 45G04-2301-F5-58) following a jury trial in Lake Superior Court.

Joyce was found guilty of the following charges:
• Count 1 – Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Disabled Person, a Level 5 Felony
• Count 2 – Battery Against a Disabled Person, a Level 6 Felony
• Count 4 – Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury, a Level 6 Felony

The charges stemmed from an investigation involving the battery of a disabled resident at an In-Pact group home in Hammond, Indiana. According to court documents and testimony presented during trial, the victim sustained visible facial injuries following the incident.

A special thank you to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Bruno and his team for their work in presenting the case to the jury and securing the guilty verdicts.

Prosecutor Carter extends his appreciation to the law enforcement officers and professionals who assisted in the successful prosecution of the case, including Officer Crystal Taylor and Detective Christopher Matonovich of the Hammond Police Department for their work throughout the investigation and trial preparation.

“This verdict reflects the commitment of our office and our law enforcement partners to protecting vulnerable members of our community and holding offenders accountable,” said Prosecutor Carter.

Sentencing is July 13th.

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Myrna Maldonado, Lake County Prosecutor's Office.Hurd Found Guilty Lake County Prosecutor...
05/12/2026

For Immediate Release
Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Lake County Prosecutor's Office.

Hurd Found Guilty

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced that a jury has found Nickey Allen Hurd guilty on both counts stemming from a violent stabbing incident that occurred in Hammond, Indiana, in November 2019. The defendant was convicted of:

Level 5 Felony Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon
Level 5 Felony Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

According to court records, the charges arose after Hurd stabbed the victim with a sword during an altercation at a Hammond trailer park. The victim suffered injuries to the hip and forearm and was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital for treatment.

Prosecutor Carter thanked Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Jacob Brandewie and Arturo Balcazar for their commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of the victim and the community. He also recognized Detective Mark Ferry and Patrolman Colin Lopez of the Hammond Police Department, the witnesses, victim advocates, and all of the professionals who contributed their time and expertise throughout the investigation and trial process.

Carter noted that violent crimes involving dangerous weapons continue to be taken seriously by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to holding violent offenders accountable while working closely with law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of Lake County.

Sentencing will be scheduled for June 9th at 8:30 am.

05/12/2026

Last MY Brother’s Keeper (MBK) meeting of the school year 2025-2026. We will be back in September for the next school year.

Address

2293 North Main Street
Crown Point, IN
46307

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Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
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Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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+12197553720

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