William M. Pradelski, 60, of Gary, has been charged in Lake County after investigators allege he inappropriately touched a 12-year-old girl who had been visiting his residence in a Gary mobile home park.

According to investigators, the case began on Aug. 1 after a maintenance worker contacted police to report an older man had been spending time with two children for three consecutive days. When officers arrived, they found the children leaving Pradelski’s residence. Pradelski reportedly told police he had helped repair one child’s bicycle, made macaroni and cheese for the children, and allowed them to ride his electric scooter because he was “just trying to be a nice guy.” 

Court records allege the 12-year-old girl told officers Pradelski touched her over her clothing while she was inside the residence. During a forensic interview, she further alleged he attempted to make her touch his genitals, repeatedly called her pet names including “sweetheart” and “baby,” whispered for her to “stay here please,” asked her to sneak out at night to visit him, and attempted to take photographs or videos of her and her younger brother. She also told investigators Pradelski gave the children pocket knives and lighters and frequently provided food to her 7-year-old brother.

The girl’s 7-year-old brother told investigators he regularly visited Pradelski’s residence for snacks and activities. He reported his sister told him Pradelski had touched her inappropriately and claimed she showed him a video on her phone that allegedly captured the incident. The affidavit does not state investigators recovered or verified the existence of the video. 

The children’s mother told investigators the family had recently moved into the trailer park after experiencing homelessness for eight months and had no idea her children had been entering Pradelski’s residence until she was alerted by a maintenance worker. She also reported her daughter returned home with pocket knives and lighters that she said had been given to the children by Pradelski.

During a recorded interview with investigators, Pradelski denied ever touching either child inappropriately. He acknowledged the children had visited him numerous times, admitted giving them pocket knives and lighters, and said he believed the children needed guidance because they appeared to be “starving for attention.” Investigators also documented that Pradelski stated, “If I was gonna be molesting ’em I would have been molesting ’em this whole time. Right? I mean, I would think.”while continuing to deny any wrongdoing. 

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed Aug. 3, 2026:

Child Molesting (Fondling or Touching a Child Under 14) — Level 4 Felony (2 counts)