Former Firefighter Charged After Alleged Sexual Misconduct at Burns Harbor Fire Department
Burns Harbor – A Highland man, Zachary Andrew Charles Thomas, is facing felony charges after fellow firefighters accused him of exposing himself and engaging in repeated unwanted sexual contact at the firehouse and during training events, according to court documents filed in Porter County.
The investigation began after multiple firefighters filed complaints with the Burns Harbor Police Department alleging inappropriate conduct by Thomas between July 30 and September 13, 2025.
Court documents state Thomas exposed himself to another firefighter on July 30 while the firefighter was preparing to shower, asking him if he wanted to join. The firefighter reported seeing pubic hair and immediately turned away.
On September 10, during a training event, Thomas allegedly grabbed the firefighter’s chest and made an inappropriate comment. Days later, on September 13, Thomas reportedly approached the same firefighter from behind and “dry humped” him in the firehouse bay area. The incident was reportedly captured on security camera footage.
Two other firefighters corroborated the account in written statements, and witnesses told investigators they saw Thomas thrusting against the firefighter. When confronted, Thomas allegedly told the victim to “shut up.”
According to court documents, Thomas admitted during an interview to asking the firefighter to shower with him and exposing himself. He also admitted to groping the firefighter and acknowledged that he had “crossed the line. Thomas joined the department in 2022.
Thomas is currently in custody at the Porter County Jail. Charges filed October 22,2025:
• Sexual Battery — Level 6 Felony
• Battery — Class B Misdemeanor
