VALPARAISO MAN, CROSSING GUARD, ARRESTED ON CHILD SOLICITATION CHARGES FOLLOWING GARY INVESTIGATION
GARY — A 75-year-old Valparaiso man and former school crossing guard has been arrested following a targeted investigation by the Gary Police Department into allegations of child solicitation.
According to authorities, detectives with the Gary Police Department took James Jovanovic, 75, into custody on March 17, 2026, on an outstanding warrant for three felony counts of child solicitation. He was arrested near his Valparaiso residence and transported to the Lake County Jail.
The investigation began on March 3, 2026, when Jovanovic contacted Gary Police to report that he had been the victim of a carjacking in the 3800 block of Massachusetts Street. During the initial response, officers identified inconsistencies in his account. As detectives dug deeper, they developed information indicating Jovanovic had allegedly attempted to solicit a 15-year-old male.
Authorities launched a dual investigation into both the reported carjacking and the child solicitation allegations. The findings ultimately led to the filing of felony charges.
Separately, the Valparaiso Police Department (VPD) confirmed they were notified of the allegations on March 4, after learning the incident originated in Gary. Jovanovic, who had been employed as a civilian part-time crossing guard, was immediately placed on unpaid administrative leave and resigned the following day, March 5.
Police said Jovanovic had previously worked as a crossing guard from September 2018 to February 2022, and again from August 2023 until his resignation. Officials noted he had passed a background check as part of his employment.
Valparaiso Community Schools were also notified of the allegations.
In a statement, Valparaiso Police Chief Andrew McIntyre called the allegations “deeply concerning” and emphasized that such conduct “will not be tolerated in our community.”
Gary Police reiterated their stance, stating the department has zero tolerance for crimes involving the exploitation of children and will continue to aggressively investigate and pursue offenders.
If convicted, Jovanovic could face up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the reported carjacking, the child solicitation case, or any other potential incidents involving Jovanovic is urged to contact the Gary Police Department Detective Bureau at 219-881-1209.
