Portage Man Charged And Arrested For Failing To Register Employment As Sex Offender
Porter County- A Portage man classified as a sexually violent predator has been charged and arrested after authorities say he failed to register his new employment and used his married name at a Portage company without approval or notification to the Sheriff’s Office.
According to court documents, investigators received a tip through Offender Watch on September 6, 2025, indicating that David M. Keaton, 41, had been working at MonoSol/Kuraray in Portage since August 4, 2025, under the name David Vanator.
Investigators confirmed that Keaton was employed under that name and had listed “Keaton” only on the background check form. The affidavit states Keaton advised the Sheriff’s Office shortly after his marriage to Vanator that he had already changed his name on his driver’s license and Social Security records. He was then advised he could not change his name due to his classification as a sexually violent offender. Keaton was told he would need to provide his marriage license and file a court petition for approval.
Court filings show Keaton appeared for his 90-day registry update on August 28, 2025, but did not report his employment.
The affidavit notes Keaton was convicted in 2005 in Porter County of child molesting and criminal deviate conduct, with the victim being a 7-year-old. He remains classified by the Indiana Department of Correction as a sexually violent predator with a lifetime registration requirement .
Charge filed October 2,2025:
• Failure To Register As A Sex Or Violent Offender — Level 6 Felony
Keaton was lodged in the Porter County Jail on October 7, 2025.
