LaPorte Man Arrested After Online Predator Sting In Portage
On 09/11/2024, at approximately 10 PM, Portage Police responded to a suspicious person call in the 6000 block of Canden, according to a Portage Police report.
Upon arrival officers spoke with an individual who stated he is a member of the Northwest Indiana Predator Catchers, an online organization exposing adults who attempt to meet minors. The man allowed officers to view text messages between him, who was portraying a 13-year-old female named Monica, and a man now identified as Matthew OKRZESIK, 41, of LaPorte.
In the text messages viewed were photos of an uncovered penis, a picture of Okrzesik’s face and messages where “Monica” states she is thirteen years of age multiple times. While officers were looking at the messages a text alert on the device went off saying, “I am at the door.”
Officers located Okrzesik standing at the door of the home in the 6000 block of Canden when they checked. Officers observed a black plastic bag next to Okrzesik on the doorway steps containing Lifestyle brand Multipleasure vibrating ring in an unopened box, a partially used Pure Pleasure brand lubricant bottle and an unopened box labeled as Aftera Levonrogestrel 1.5mg along with four beverages and a pack of cigarettes.Okrzesik stated he was here to meet Monica who he had been texting through MeetMe for approximately three days. Okrzesik advised officers he was only in the area to meet with Monica because he lives in La Porte. Okrzesik then stated, I thought Monica was 20 years old. However Okrzesik couldn’t provide proof of any such message. Okrzesik was then placed under arrest by officers.
Upon a search of Okrzesik, officers found a green wooden box located in his front left pocket. In the green wooden box were five marijuana cigarettes. Prior to leaving the scene a K9 ran a search around Okrzesik’s vehicle which lead to a positive alert. After a search of the vehicle more marijuana cigarettes were located in a baggie.
Okrzesik was charged with Child Solicitation a Level 4 Felony and Possession of Marijuana a Class B Misdemeanor. He is currently lodged in the Porter County Jail.
