Alberto Elias, 47,of East Chicago, has been charged in Lake County following an investigation into reported sexual misconduct involving a juvenile, according to court documents.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the investigation began after a report was initially made to the Chicago Police Department by the victim’s father, who stated his daughter disclosed that she had been molested during the summer of 2025 while staying at a residence in East Chicago.
During a forensic interview conducted in March 2026, the juvenile victim told investigators that while staying with her mother, who was in a relationship with Elias at the time, there were frequent domestic incidents inside the home.
The victim described one incident occurring during the last week of school in 2025, when she woke up around 1 a.m. and encountered Elias. She stated Elias attempted to grab and touch her, pinned her against a wall, and tried to remove his clothing while making statements toward her. The victim reported she was able to push him away, run to her bedroom, and lock the door.
The victim further stated that during the encounter, Elias grabbed her by the waist and neck area and attempted to touch her over her clothing in her genital area before she broke free.
In a separate incident at the same residence, the victim reported that Elias entered her bedroom while she was with her younger sibling, pulled the covers off her, and attempted to pull down her pajama pants. The victim stated she struck Elias with an object and he left the room, while her younger sibling woke up crying.
The victim told investigators she later informed her mother about the incidents but was told to remain quiet. She eventually disclosed the events to her father, who then contacted police.
Investigators also reviewed multiple prior police reports tied to the residence, documenting domestic disturbances between Elias and the victim’s mother during the same timeframe, which were noted to corroborate the victim’s account of ongoing incidents inside the home.
Authorities attempted to contact Elias regarding the investigation but were unsuccessful after initial communication, according to the affidavit.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on April 15,2026.
Charges filed April 10,2026:
Child Molesting (Attempt to Commit; fondling or touching with a child under 14) – Level 4 Felony
• Sexual Battery (Victim compelled to submit by force or imminent threat) – Level 6 Felony
• Criminal Confinement – Level 6 Felony
