Porter County Man Charged With Multiple Counts of Child Molesting and Incest
A Porter man has been formally charged with several felony counts of child molesting and incest following an investigation by the Porter Police Department and the Indiana Department of Child Services.
According to court documents, charges were filed on September 8, 2025, in Porter Superior Court against Caleb Andrew Zachary Schmal, 35, of Porter. Prosecutors allege the offenses took place between January 2023 and February 2024 involving a victim under the age of 14.
Investigators said the case began on February 26, 2024, when the Indiana Department of Child Services received a report of suspected abuse. A forensic interview was conducted with the victim at the Dunebrook Advocacy Center on March 1, 2024, during which multiple incidents were described.
Detectives reported that the victim provided detailed statements, including descriptions being instructed to engage in sexual acts. The affidavit further notes that a witness later corroborated some of the allegations, stating they witnessed abuse while the mother was at work.
Charges Filed September 8, 2025:
• Count I: Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony
• Count II: Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony
• Count III: Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony
• Count IV: Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony
• Count V: Child Molesting – Level 4 Felony
• Count VI: Incest – Level 4 Felony
Disclaimer: All charges are allegations. Schmal is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail on September 15, 2025.
