Lake County Prosecutor's Office

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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.

For any emergencies call 911 immediately. This page is monitered during our business hours. Any messages sent after hours will not be answered until we reopen. COMMENT AND MESSAGE POLICY
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerJorge Patino Sentenced to 78 Years in Prison f...
10/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer

Jorge Patino Sentenced to 78 Years in Prison for Child Molesting

CROWN POINT, IN – Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced today that Jorge Alberto Patino has been sentenced to a total of 78 years in the Indiana Department of Correction following his conviction on multiple counts of child molesting. The charges stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Hammond Police Department involving the repeated sexual abuse of a young child in Hammond, Indiana, between January 2022 and June 2024. According to court documents, the victim, who was between the ages of six and eight at the time of the offenses, disclosed multiple incidents of sexual abuse committed by Patino over an extended period.

Patino was sentenced to:

• Count 2 – Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony: 40 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.
• Count 4 – Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony: 30 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.
• Count 10 – Child Molesting, Level 4 Felony: 8 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.

The Court ordered all three sentences to be served consecutively, resulting in a total executed sentence of 78 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Christopher Matonovich of the Hammond Police Department and Officer Arthur Latiker with assistance from medical and forensic professionals.

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for crimes committed against children and reaffirmed his office's commitment to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of the community.

The Lake County Prosecutor's Office extends its appreciation to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tara Villarreal, the Hammond Police Department- Detective Matonovich and Officer Latiker, Dunebrook Children's Advocacy Center, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, and the Indiana State Police Laboratory and all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Mark your calendar!! This informative event is in partnership with IUN, Edgewater Health, Lake County Prosecutor's Offi...
10/13/2026

Mark your calendar!! This informative event is in partnership with IUN, Edgewater Health, Lake County Prosecutor's Office and My Brother's Keeper Lake County.

My Brother’s Keeper Lake County is back in session. Chaired by both Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter and Dr. Danita...
10/13/2026

My Brother’s Keeper Lake County is back in session. Chaired by both Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter and Dr. Danita Woods of Edgewater Health, this organization looks to improve the quality of life for boys and young men of color.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerLake County Prosecutor's OfficeOctober 9, 2026...
10/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer
Lake County Prosecutor's Office
October 9, 2026

CALVIN GORDON JR. SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR GRIFFITH SHOOTING THAT INJURED TWO ADULTS

CROWN POINT, IN – Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced that Calvin Maurice Gordon Jr. has been sentenced to eight years in the Indiana Department of Correction following a shooting in Griffith that injured two adults while three young children were inside the vehicle.

Gordon pleaded guilty to two counts of Aggravated Battery, both Level 3 felonies. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the sentences were to run concurrently, with a sentencing cap of 10 years. The court sentenced Gordon to eight years in the Indiana Department of Correction.

The charges stemmed from a November 3, 2023, shooting in the parking lot of an apartment complex located at 1517 N. Arbogast Street in Griffith.

According to court documents, Gordon fired a gunshot into a vehicle occupied by the mother of his children, her boyfriend, and three young children seated in the back. The bullet struck the mother in her right arm, exited, and subsequently struck her boyfriend in his left leg.

Both adults sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment. The three children were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

The incident occurred during what was intended to be a child custody exchange.

Prosecutor Carter expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Madeline Clement for her hard work on this case. Also thank you to Chief Tharp and the Griffith Police Department for their investigative efforts and dedication to bringing the case to a resolution.

Lake County Prosecutor’s Office-Special Victims Unit participated in the Hobart Police Department’s Domestic Violence Aw...
10/09/2026

Lake County Prosecutor’s Office-Special Victims Unit participated in the Hobart Police Department’s Domestic Violence Awareness Community Event. Always a great event for a great cause.

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASELake County Prosecutor’s OfficeRobert Allison Sentenced to 50 Years for Murder in 2023 East Chicago ...
10/07/2026

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lake County Prosecutor’s Office

Robert Allison Sentenced to 50 Years for Murder in 2023 East Chicago Shooting

CROWN POINT, IN — Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced today that Robert Allison was sentenced to a total of 50 years in the Department of Correction for the 2023 shooting death of Christian Ogbomon in East Chicago.

Allison received 45 years for the murder conviction, with an additional five years imposed for the fi***rm enhancement, bringing his total sentence to 50 years.

The case stems from a May 29, 2023, incident at a residence on Euclid Avenue in East Chicago, where Ogbomon was fatally shot. East Chicago Police responded to the scene and began the investigation that ultimately led to Allison being charged and convicted of murder.

Prosecutor Carter thanked Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Bradley Carter and Chris Bruno for their work in preparing and presenting the case, as well as the East Chicago Police Department and the law enforcement officers and other criminal justice professionals whose investigative and professional work contributed to the successful prosecution of this case.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerLake County Prosecutor's OfficeOn October 6, 2...
10/06/2026

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

On October 6, 2026, Detective Daryl Gordon with the Gary Police Department and the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force secured murder charges against Willie Terrell Wallace Jr., 26, for the June 20, 2018 homicide of Derricko Rogers, 21, of Gary. Gary Police Department officers responded to the 230 block of East Ridge Road on June 20, 2018 and encountered two gunshot victims, including Derricko Rogers. After re-opening the investigation and conducting numerous witness interviews, Detective Gordon was able to secure charges against Wallace. Wallace is also charged in relation to a second shooting victim for this incident, and is currently facing a separate murder charge.

Wallace is charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, battery with a deadly weapon, and felony fi***rm enhancements. All defendants are presumed innocent while cases are pending.

Detective Gordon was also assisted by Assistant Chief Wardrip of the Hobart Police Department, Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force, and GRIT. Other members of the Homicide Task Force include the Indiana State Police, the Indiana State Excise Police, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, the Hobart Police Department, the Winfield Police Department, and the Lake County Coroner's Office. The Lake County CSI division also assisted.

Anyone with further information about Derricko Rogers's homicide is encouraged to contact Detective Gordon at 219-755-3855.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information OfficerLake County Prosecutor’s OfficerJURY FINDS ALLE...
10/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado, Public Information Officer
Lake County Prosecutor’s Officer

JURY FINDS ALLEN WOODS GUILTY OF MURDER, FI***RM ENHANCEMENT

CROWN POINT, IN. — Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter announced that Allen Oscar Woods was found guilty of Murder and a Fi***rm Enhancement in Lake Superior Court.
The charges stemmed from the December 27, 2024, fatal shooting of Tiffany Woods in Hammond. According to the probable cause affidavit, Hammond Police responded to the area of Cleveland Street and the east alley of Jackson Avenue following reports that a man was shooting at a woman. Officers located Tiffany Woods suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

Woods was found guilty of:
• Murder, I.C. 35-42-1-1(1)
• Fi***rm Enhancement, I.C. 35-50-2-11(d) Trial Schedule A. Woods

Prosecutor Carter thanked Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Arturo Balcazar and Shannon Phillips for their work in presenting the case and pursuing justice on behalf of the victim, her family, and the community. Also, a sincere thank you to Victim/Witness Assistant Caitlin Dziewicki who assisted throughout the case.

“This verdict reflects the tremendous amount of work that goes into investigating and prosecuting a violent crime,” Prosecutor Carter said. “I want to thank our Deputy Prosecutors, the law enforcement officers, investigators, forensic professionals, and witnesses whose work helped bring this case before a jury. We remain committed to holding those who commit acts of violence accountable and to seeking justice for victims and their families.”

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office also would like to thank the Hammond Police Department and their law enforcement officers involved in the investigation and prosecution, including Lead Detective Daniel Mahoi, Officer Alonso Lopez, Officer Eric Banvich, Sergeant Elaine Salazar, Michael Elkman, Officer Zach Taylor, Officer Elias Guido, Detective Antwan Jakes, Officer Brian Sherwin, Detective David Pardonek, Detective Sergeant Michael Elkmann, Officer Chris Doughty, Master Sergeant Rob Trost, Detective Lieutenant Marc Ferry, Sergeant Rich Ray, Officer Breon Walker, and Officer Matthew Zembala. The Office also recognizes Dr. Zhou Wang of the Lake County Coroner’s Office; Shawn Sturr of the Indiana State Police; and ViaPath expert Karry Speichert for their professional contributions to the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Myrna Maldonado Public Information Officer Lake County Prosecutor’s OfficeOn October 1, 2...
10/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Myrna Maldonado Public Information Officer
Lake County Prosecutor’s Office

On October 1, 2026, the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force secured numerous charges against Austin Earl Williams, 37, related to the September 12, 2026 homicide of Brent Jones, 40, in East Chicago.

East Chicago officers responded to the 3800 block of Euclid Avenue in reference to a shooting at that location. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Williams allegedly arrived and began a domestic dispute with another victim at that location.

Evidence during the investigation indicated that Brent Jones approached the area where Austin Williams was reported and was shot and killed in conjunction to the domestic encounter. Williams was alleged to have been beating the domestic victim on scene immediately prior to the shooting.

Williams was later arrested on September 22, 2026 after law enforcement obtained information on his whereabouts as a suspect in the homicide and having outstanding arrest warrants. Austin Williams was ultimately arrested after being observed exiting a residence in Hammond and engaging in a cross-state car chase throughout Lake County and Cook County before being captured in Illinois.

Williams is charged with seventeen counts including Murder, Attempted Murder, Robbery Resulting in Bodily Injury, Unlawful Possession of a Fi***rm by a Serious Violent Felon, Resisting Law Enforcement, Domestic Battery, Theft, Criminal Vandalism, and Reckless Driving. All defendants are presumed innocent while cases are pending.

The Homicide Task Force was assisted substantially by the Indiana State Police's geolocation detectives including Jason Faulstich, Gregg Edwards, and Nick Campbell. Additionally, the Task Force was assisted substantially by the Indiana State Police's Swat Unit, who helped secure and bring Austin Williams into custody. Members of the SWAT unit include Stephen Smeltzley, Justin Superczynski, Jim Stanley, Justin Dommer, and Ryan Royer, among others. The Task Force was further assisted by the Lake County CSI division, the Lake County Prosecutor's Special Victim's Unit, and Detective Escutia of the Indiana State Police/Task Force, who assisted in the SWAT operation. Detective Morgan Salazar of ECPD and the Task Force is the lead detective in the case. The Homicide Task Force works in conjunction with the Gary Police Department, the East Chicago Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Indiana State Excise Police, the Lake County Coroner's Office, the Hobart Police Department, and the Winfield Police Department.

Anyone with further information regarding this matter homicide is encouraged to contact Detective Salazar at 219-755-3855.

Address

2293 North Main Street
Crown Point, IN
46307

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+12197553720

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