Gary Man Accused of Sending Forged Attorney General Affidavit
A 23-year-old Gary man, Malachi Isaiah Laxton, has been charged in Lake County,after state investigators reviewed a report that a forged affidavit—purporting to come from the Indiana Attorney General’s Office—was sent to a financial institution on August 12, 2024.
According to court documents, a state law-enforcement detective was assigned to investigate possible Forgery, Impersonation of a Public Servant, and Intimidation after an official with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office reported that Laxton had submitted a notarized affidavit to a financial institution, falsely claiming it was drafted by the Attorney General’s Office. The official identified Laxton as the individual who sent the document.
The financial institution, Dash Services, later reported receiving a document they believed was “fraudulent.” The company stated the cardholder had changed the facts of his story many times, that his claims were false, and that the affidavit appeared to be a template downloaded from an online legal-form service. The institution forwarded the forged affidavit to authorities.
Investigators reviewed the document, which stated that the “Indiana Attorney General’s Office” demanded Dash Services provide $20,665 in full restitution to Laxton. The affidavit claimed the office would pursue further legal action if Dash did not comply within ten business days. It included a copied professional signature block and a 2002–2024 LawDepot.com watermark at the bottom.
The Attorney General’s Office later confirmed the affidavit sent to Dash Services was not created by their office and that they had not drafted any affidavit of this nature at the time it was mailed.
Records provided during the investigation also showed Laxton previously filed a written complaint with the Attorney General’s Office in July 2023, alleging identity theft and requesting “full compensation for all funds.” Dash Services pointed out contradictions between Laxton’s statements, the dates he reported to local police, and the issuance and activation dates of a debit card connected to the alleged loss. Investigators reviewed those records and found them consistent with the financial institution’s statements.
According to the affidavit, Laxton’s signature on the forged document was notarized at a UPS Store in Merrillville on August 12, 2024. Store records showed Laxton appeared in person, presented valid identification, and signed the document before it was mailed. A log entry listed his name, Gary address, and operator’s license number, all of which matched state records.
Charges filed November 17,2025:
• Counterfeiting – Level 6 Felony
(Alleged to have possessed more than one written instrument knowing they were counterfeit.)
• Fraud – Level 6 Felony
(Alleged financial loss between $750 and $50,000.)
Lodged in the Lake County Jail October 18,2025.
