Kingsford Heights Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Child Solicitation In Porter County
A Kingsford Heights man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in a child solicitation case filed earlier this year in Porter Superior Court II, according to court records.
Joseph Cronin was charged in April 2025 under Cause No. 64D02-2504-F4-003697. Court records show Cronin was originally charged with Level 4 felony child solicitation, alleging solicitation to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct, and a Level 5 felony child solicitation charge alleging solicitation involving a victim under the age of 14.
Under a negotiated plea agreement, Cronin pleaded guilty to Count II: Child Solicitation, a Level 5 felony. A sentencing order filed December 17, 2025, shows the court accepted the plea after reviewing a presentence investigation report.
During sentencing, the court found Cronin’s criminal history to be an aggravating factor and found no mitigating circumstances. The judge sentenced Cronin to three years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with no portion of the sentence suspended, court records state.
As part of the sentence, the court ordered Cronin to register as a sex offender pursuant to statute and recommended that he participate in the PSALM program while incarcerated. All remaining counts in the case were dismissed at sentencing under the terms of the plea agreement.
The sentencing order also reflects that Cronin received 258 days of jail credit. He was assessed a $500 sexual assault victim assistance fee and $189 in court costs, which were entered as judgment liens to be satisfied upon payment.
Cronin was advised of his right to appeal or file a motion to correct error within 30 days, according to court documents.
Original Charges
• Child Solicitation (Solicitation to Engage in Sexual Intercourse or Other Sexual Conduct) — Level 4 Felony
• Child Solicitation (Defendant 18+, Victim Under 14; Solicitation to Engage in Fondling or Touching) — Level 5 Felony
Sentence Summary
• Child Solicitation — Level 5 Felony
• Three years IDOC, none suspended
• Sex offender registration required
• 258 days jail credit
• $500 sexual assault victim assistance fee
