Illinois Man Charged In Porter County After Alleged Online Child Solicitation
An Illinois man is facing felony charges in Porter County after police say he traveled to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl following a series of sexually explicit messages exchanged through a social media dating app.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed October 31, 2025, police were dispatched around 8 p.m. on October 30, 2025, to a location on Wind Jammer Way in Portage after receiving information from a group known as NWI Predator Catchers that a man was traveling there to meet with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old child.
When officers arrived, they located the suspect and identified him as Manpreet Goswami, 22, of Orland Park, Illinois, according to court records. Goswami told police he was there to meet a girl named “Anna,” whom he met through Facebook Dating, and said he believed she was 27 years old.
Police say Goswami consented to speak further at the police department. During a search before transport, officers reported finding a condom in his back pocket. Additional condoms and a bottle of Tito’s Vodka were found in his vehicle and backpack, court documents state.
Investigators reviewed electronic messages between Goswami and the decoy. The messages reportedly began with casual conversation before turning sexual. The decoy informed Goswami she was 13 years old and in eighth grade, to which Goswami initially replied, “You are too young,” but later continued the conversation.
Over the following days, the messages included sexual remarks and discussion about meeting in person. Goswami mentioned bringing vodka and condoms and texted “I am here” upon arriving in Portage, according to the affidavit.
When interviewed by detectives, Goswami reportedly admitted he came to meet the girl and planned to have sex with her, though he claimed he did not believe she was actually 13. He gave police consent to search his phone, where investigators confirmed the message thread matched what had been provided by the reporting party.
Charges Filed October 31, 2025:
• Child Solicitation – F4 Felony
• Child Solicitation – F5 Felony
