Hammond Man Charged with Sexual Battery at Public Library
Charles Henry Merriweather, 34, of Hammond, has been charged with sexual battery and criminal trespass following a June 23, 2025, incident at the Hammond Public Library.
According to court documents, Hammond police were dispatched to the library located at 564 State Street for a reported battery. Officers were given a suspect description and later located a man matching it near the 400 block of Sibley Street. He was identified as Charles Merriweather through his Indiana ID.
The reporting party told police she was shelving books on the second floor of the library when she noticed Merriweather staring at her. She became uncomfortable, and as she bent to place books on a lower shelf, Merriweather walked behind her and grabbed her buttocks with both hands. When she confronted him, he responded my bad sorry and walked away.
The incident was reported to another library employee. The reporting party confirmed she did not give Merriweather permission to touch her. Officers also learned that Merriweather had previously been placed on trespass from the same library location in a 2022 case.
He is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed June 25, 2025:
• Sexual Battery – Level 6 Felony
• Criminal Trespass – Class A Misdemeanor
