Leandro Armando Tecaxco, 27, of Griffith, is facing multiple felony allegations after investigators accused him of using fake online identities, threats, hidden recordings to exploit an 11-year-old child over the course of several months, and hundreds of other child videos in which some he was identified in inappropriately touching children, according to court documents.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the investigation began in February 2026 after the child’s mother contacted Griffith Police regarding suspicious text messages and phone calls her daughter had been receiving from an unknown person. Investigators said the child reported being threatened into sending sexually explicit images and videos.
Court documents state the person initially portrayed themselves as a girl using what appeared to be a social media profile photo before later claiming to be different ages and eventually identifying themselves as a boy. Investigators said the child told forensic interviewers she at times believed the voice on calls sounded like her stepfather, but also thought the caller may have been using a “voice changer.”
According to the affidavit, investigators later obtained search warrant returns from Apple tied to accounts allegedly connected to Tecaxco. Detectives said the data included photographs, videos, account information, metadata, and location data that allegedly linked the accounts to Tecaxco, his former Gary address, and the Griffith residence where the family lived.
Investigators also alleged they discovered hundreds of videos and images containing apparent child sex abuse material stored within cloud accounts connected to the investigation. Some of which showed Tecaxco’s body parts which were identified to be his by tattoos and other body markings.
Court documents further allege investigators located videos recorded inside the Griffith residence, including one involving a sleeping juvenile female. Detectives stated the bedroom comforter and bathroom visible in screenshots from the videos were later identified by the child’s mother as belonging to the family home and the child’s bedroom.
Police took Tecaxco into custody on May 22 following a traffic stop in Griffith. During a recorded interview, investigators said Tecaxco initially attempted to portray himself as a protective father figure while also trying to learn how much evidence detectives had obtained. According to the affidavit, detectives said his demeanor changed after investigators informed him they had recovered preserved iCloud account data. The interview later ended after Tecaxco requested an attorney.
Charges filed May 24, 2026:
- Child Molesting, a Level 1 Felony
- Rape, a Level 3 Felony
- Vicarious Sexual Gratification, a Level 3 Felony
- Child Exploitation, a Level 4 Felony
- Vicarious Sexual Gratification, a Level 4 Felony
- Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material, including felony enhancement allegations
This remains an active investigation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
