Juan Carlos Linares Cardenas, 44, of Crown Point, has been charged with child molesting following allegations involving a 9-year-old girl, according to court documents.

Schererville Police began investigating Aug. 8 after receiving a child molesting complaint. A witness told police the child stayed at Cardenas’ Crown Point residence every other weekend and had recently disclosed that she was molested there.

Investigators said the alleged offense occurred sometime between July 15 and Aug. 3.

During an interview and a subsequent forensic interview, the child reportedly said she was lying on a couch in her pajamas and watching an iPad when Cardenas began rubbing her back. The child said Cardenas would normally tickle her or rub her back to help her fall asleep.

On this occasion, Cardenas allegedly began breathing heavily before rubbing and squeezing the child’s buttocks. According to the affidavit, Cardenas used both hands to move the child’s body against his genital area.

The child told investigators she became extremely uncomfortable and said she needed to use the restroom. She reportedly pulled up her clothing and ran to the bathroom.

Cardenas allegedly told the child to “hurry up.” The child said Cardenas was asleep when she came out of the bathroom.

According to court documents, the child later experienced pain and soreness around her vaginal area.

A witness told investigators that Cardenas drank a large amount of alcohol and knew the child was 9 years old. 

Lodged in the Lake County Jail.

Charges filed August 28,2026:

• Child Molesting, Level 4 felony