Johan Cardador, 24, of Lake Station, is accused of sexually assaulting a 15 year old girl after meeting her during the early morning hours of July 9.
Lake Station police began investigating after officers were called to a local hospital around 10:22 a.m. regarding a reported sexual assault.
According to court documents, the girl had been attending a sleepover at a Hammond residence before leaving around 3:50 a.m. to meet Cardador near the end of the street. About an hour later, a friend reportedly received a message from the girl saying, “help me.”
The friend and another juvenile went outside but allegedly saw Cardador’s vehicle leave with the girl still inside. The girl later called and reported that Cardador had a gun and had assaulted her, according to police.
The girl then sent a location pin directing the juveniles to the 3500 block of Minnesota Street near the Lake Station-Gary border. When they arrived around 7 a.m., they allegedly saw the girl walking in the street and Cardador attempting to pull her back.
Court documents state the girl screamed for help before being assisted into the vehicle. Witnesses told police her speech was incoherent and she appeared impaired. The juveniles were later involved in a crash while driving away from the area.
Investigators identified Cardador through previous police records and located him at another Lake Station residence. Police said Cardador initially claimed he had remained home before acknowledging that he had met the girl in Hammond.
Cardador allegedly gave investigators the girl’s cellphone, which police said was in his possession.
According to court documents, Cardador initially denied having any sexual contact with the girl. During a later interview, however, he acknowledged sexual activity had occurred but claimed it was consensual. He reportedly told police that he initially believed she was 18 and later learned she was younger.
Cardador also allegedly admitted bringing psychedelic mushrooms and an alcoholic beverage to the meeting. He claimed the girl found the mushrooms in his vehicle and consumed a large amount before the sexual activity occurred. Cardador denied possessing or displaying a firearm.
During a forensic interview, the girl gave a different account. She alleged Cardador drove her to his Lake Station residence, physically assaulted her and continued the sexual assault after she repeatedly told him to stop. She also alleged he displayed a handgun and threatened her during the encounter.
Police obtained and executed a search warrant at Cardador’s residence in the 3500 block of Minnesota Street in Lake Station. Investigators reported finding suspected psychedelic mushrooms, suspected marijuana, clothing believed to belong to the girl and other evidence.
Charges Filed July 11, 2026:
Rape While Armed With a Deadly Weapon (Level 1 Felony) – 2 counts
Rape (Level 3 Felony) – 2 counts
Kidnapping While Armed With a Deadly Weapon (Level 3 Felony)
Kidnapping Using a Vehicle (Level 5 Felony)
Criminal Confinement Using a Vehicle (Level 5 Felony)
Intimidation While Drawing or Using a Deadly Weapon (Level 5 Felony)
Child Solicitation for Sexual Intercourse (Level 5 Felony)
Child Solicitation for Other Sexual Conduct (Level 5 Felony)
Child Solicitation for Fondling or Touching (Level 5 Felony)
Strangulation (Level 6 Felony)
Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury (Level 6 Felony)
