Angel Marie Berndt, 33, of Valparaiso, is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after Porter County authorities allege she staged a burglary at a Portage elementary school while working as a night custodian.

According to court documents, officers with the Portage Police Department began investigating the incident at Jones Elementary School, located in the 2300 block of McCool Road, during the early morning hours of May 23.

Police allege Berndt entered the school after her scheduled shift as a night custodian and began taking food from the cafeteria, clothing from the lost and found, and toys from classrooms. Investigators further allege Berndt staged a burglary inside one of the classrooms to make it appear someone had entered through a classroom window.

Lodged in the Porter County Jail. 

Charges filed May 28, 2026:

• Level 5 Felony Burglary

• Class A Misdemeanor Theft