Michigan City Man Charged With Child Molestation
Daniel J. Stevens, 30, of Michigan City, was arrested following a child abuse investigation involving a 3-year-old child, according to court records filed in LaPorte County.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Michigan City police were notified on November 19, 2025, by the Indiana Department of Child Services of a possible abuse allegation involving Victim 1, age 3. Court records state the child had recently been returned to the home of the child’s mother and stepfather, Daniel Stevens, on November 12, 2025, for a home visit trial following a prior removal earlier in 2025 related to an unrelated child abuse allegation.
During a scheduled meeting with a DCS case manager on November 19, the 3-year-old child was observed with bruises and abrasions to the face, prompting further inspection. Court records state investigators discovered a linear injury on the child’s genitalia, and the child was transported to Saint Joseph Emergency Department in Mishawaka for medical evaluation. Medical documentation noted a linear injury near the base of the child’s penis and an injury on the shaft of the penis.
According to the affidavit, the child’s mother told investigators the injuries were caused by the child pulling on his own penis. However, a follow-up pediatric consultation later determined the injuries were “not consistent with self-inflicted injury” and were instead “consistent with inflicted injury/physical abuse.”
Court records state the 3-year-old child later participated in a forensic interview at the Dunebrook Child Advocacy Center. During that interview, the child disclosed, “Daniel hurt me,” and later clarified, “Daniel bit me on my penis,” referring to his stepfather. The child also told interviewers the incident “felt bad.”
Medical evaluation documented multiple injuries to the child’s genitalia, along with additional injuries including bruising to the head, eye, and lower back, according to the affidavit.
Charges filed December 12,2025:
• Child Molestation, Level 1 Felony
• Domestic Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Person Under 14, Level 5 Felony
