Anthony Bernard Snelling, 54, of East Chicago, is accused of repeatedly touching an 18-year-old man over his clothing after the man allegedly told him he was not interested and repeatedly told him to stop inside a Merrillville hotel room.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Merrillville police were dispatched at approximately 9:57 p.m. on June 5 to a hotel in the 700 block of East 82nd Avenue regarding a reported sex offense. Officers met with the 18-year-old alleged victim and a family member near East 82nd Avenue and Georgia Street.

The male victim told police the incident happened earlier that morning, although the exact time was unknown. He said he had met “Tony,” later identified by investigators as Snelling, earlier that morning and was invited into Snelling’s hotel room. The room was later verified as Room 129.

The victim stated that once inside the room, “Anthony began watching pornography, exposing his penis, and masturbating.” He said Snelling repeatedly asked him sexual questions, “including questions about the size of his penis and the types of sexual activities he enjoyed.”

According to the affidavit, the victim said he informed Snelling “that he was not interested, was not gay, and told Anthony to stop.”

The victim told investigators that while he was standing inside the room, Snelling was lying on the bed and “touched his penis over his clothing multiple times.”

The affidavit states Snelling allegedly touched the man’s penis once and, after being told to stop, “touched his penis approximately two additional times.” The victim said the touching was unwanted and occurred after he clearly told Snelling to stop.

The victim stated Snelling never got underneath his clothing and did not threaten him. He said he was ultimately able to leave the room on his own and was not physically restrained from leaving.

According to court documents, the victim also stated Snelling told him “he wished he was older” and continued making sexual comments despite his repeated objections.

The victim described Snelling as a Black man in his 50s with a small gray beard who was associated with an older, rusty, dark-blue van. He stated Snelling mentioned he would be leaving the hotel soon and returning home but did not provide a specific location.

Officers checked the hotel and attempted to locate Snelling, but he was not found during the investigation. The dark-blue van described by the alleged victim was also not observed at the scene.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail on July 21, 2026.

Charges Filed June 26, 2026:

Sexual Battery — Level 6 Felony