NWI Predator Catchers Tip Leads To Child Solicitation Charges Against Shelbyville Man
Marco Garcia, 23, of Shelbyville, Indiana, is charged in Porter County, after police say he traveled to Portage intending to meet a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl for sexual activity.
According to court documents, investigators received a report on February 24 from a member of NWI Predator Catchers that an adult male was attempting to solicit a female he believed was 13 years old. The reporting party provided police with photos, messages, and the suspect’s location in the Portage Walmart area, where officers located Garcia sitting in a semi-truck.
Police reviewed months of online communications between Garcia and the decoy account, which investigators said he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl. Messages showed Garcia arranging to meet in person and traveling to Portage for that purpose.
Investigators said Garcia arrived in Portage intending to meet the person he believed was the minor and was detained and taken to the Portage Police Department for questioning.
During an interview, Garcia admitted he had traveled to Portage to meet a girl and acknowledged he believed she was approximately 13 years old.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail.
Charges filed February 25,2026:
• Child Solicitation — Level 4 Felony
• Child Solicitation — Level 5 Felony
