Victoria Hope Riley, 21, of Lake Station, was charged June 11 after authorities alleged she left her infant son, who was born in April 2026, in another woman’s care for nearly a month without providing support or making arrangements to resume custody.

According to court documents, police were dispatched to a residence in the Porter area on June 9 after a woman requested assistance regarding an infant she said had been in her care since May 11. The woman told police she had been providing the infant with diapers, formula, clothing and transportation to medical appointments without receiving financial or other assistance. She also reported repeatedly contacting Riley about her plans to care for the child but receiving no response to those questions.

Court documents state the infant was born in April 2026 and was being treated for thrush and a fungal infection. The caregiver told police she had been taking the child to medical appointments and had reached a point where she could no longer continue providing care.

The Indiana Department of Child Services responded and took custody of the infant. Investigators later located Riley and questioned her about the situation. According to court documents, Riley told police she believed the caregiver would continue caring for the child as long as necessary. Officers reviewed text messages that allegedly showed the caregiver initially agreed to watch the infant for a few days before later sending multiple messages asking Riley when she planned to resume care. Court records state those questions went unanswered.

Police also investigated the camper trailer where Riley was living near the 2400 block of New York Street in Lake Station. Court documents state investigators found the trailer in an “obvious and utter state of disrepair.” Officers reported the roof was covered by a large tarp, the hot water heater had been disassembled, there was no working air conditioner, a window in the door was shattered, and broken glass was scattered near the entrance. Police further noted they did not observe what appeared to be a source of clean running water other than a garden hose connected to the trailer. Investigators reported they did not believe the camper was suitable for an infant.

According to court documents, Riley told police she was “trying” to prepare to care for the child but was unable to provide specifics regarding employment, transportation or plans to support the infant.

The infant was taken into the custody of the Indiana Department of Child Services, and Riley was transported to the Porter County Jail.

Charges filed June 11, 2026:

Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 Felony)

The Porter Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind our citizens that many local fire stations- including the Towns of Porter and Chesterton- provide Safe Haven Baby Boxes to allow a parent in crisis to anonymously and legally surrender a newborn child.