A crossing guard for the Valparaiso schools, employed part-time by the Valparaiso Police Department as a civilian employee, has been arrested by Gary Police for child solicitation, police said.
The Post-Tribune is not naming the man because he has not been formally charged. He was arrested Tuesday, according to a release from the Valparaiso Police Department. A department spokesman said the crossing guard filled in at different schools as needed.
Valparaiso Police learned of the allegations against the crossing guard on March 4. The allegations stemmed from an incident on March 3 in Gary. Valparaiso Police contacted the Gary Police Department to obtain further details related to the reported incident.
Once police learned of the allegations, they immediately placed the crossing guard on unpaid administrative leave. He resigned on March 5, police said. Valparaiso Community Schools was also notified about the allegations involving the crossing guard.
At the conclusion of GPD’s investigation, the man was criminally charged with three counts of child solicitation. He was arrested on Tuesday by the Gary Police Department and incarcerated at Lake County Jail.
The man was employed as a crossing guard with VPD from September 12, 2018, to February 5, 2022, and from August 11, 2023, until his recent resignation. As a condition of his employment, the man passed a background check completed by VPD.
VPD and VCS appreciate the communication from the GPD regarding this incident and the thoroughness of their investigation, according to the release.
“Allegations of this nature are deeply concerning and must be taken seriously. Conduct of this kind will not be tolerated by anyone in our community. The VPD and VCS remain firmly committed to accountability and to maintaining strong partnerships with those we serve,” Chief Andrew McIntyre said.
As criminal proceedings are ongoing in Lake County, VPD and VCS are unable to release further information.
