Cedar Lake Man Charged With Three Counts Of Felony Child Molesting In Lake County
Caleb Joseph VanOverloop, 23, of Cedar Lake, has been charged in Lake County, with three counts child molesting following a investigation involving multiple child victims.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed January 20, 2026, investigators were assigned to investigate reported child molesting incidents that allegedly occurred in Lake County between November 1, 2024, and January 18, 2026.
Court documents state officers were dispatched to a residence in Lowell on January 18, 2026, regarding a complaint of child molesting. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the child’s father, who advised that his one-year-old son had been molested by his brother, Caleb VanOverloop. The affidavit states VanOverloop frequently spent time at the Lowell residence helping with childcare and also spent time with family members, including the child, at a residence in Cedar Lake.
According to the affidavit, the child’s father advised that VanOverloop had confessed to a family member the evening prior to law enforcement being contacted.
Court records state that during a family meeting at the Cedar Lake residence where VanOverloop lived, VanOverloop arrived home from work, became emotional, and stated that he “can’t stop” and “needs help.” Family members reported VanOverloop was crying as he disclosed inappropriate conduct involving children.
According to the affidavit, VanOverloop admitted that while he was in high school, he committed sexually inappropriate acts involving multiple juvenile relatives, stating that some of the conduct was consensual and some was not consensual. He disclosed that some incidents occurred out of state and further admitted to molesting one of his sisters.
Court documents state VanOverloop later told investigators that the behavior began in eighth grade, after exposure to pornography by a friend. VanOverloop stated he “cannot control himself”, and said this behavior continued into his teenage years.
According to the affidavit, VanOverloop admitted that the most recent conduct involved his one-year-old family member. He told investigators that on multiple occasions over the past two months, while alone with the child, he engaged in inappropriate touching. Court records state some incidents occurred while the child was awake, and that VanOverloop stopped on at least one occasion after hearing someone approaching.
Court documents state VanOverloop was advised of his constitutional rights, waived those rights, and agreed to speak with investigators. The child was taken for a medical examination, and results were pending at the time the affidavit was filed.
Charges filed January 20,2026:
• Child Molesting (fondling or touching with a child under 14) – Level 4 Felony(Three counts )
