UPDATE ON PREVIOUS STORY FROM MAY 11, 2025- Mother Charged with Obstruction and Neglect Following Investigation Involving 13-Year-Old
Tanya Myrella Salzameda, 44, was charged in Porter County on June 2, 2025, with obstruction of justice and two counts of neglect of a dependent following an investigation involving her 13-year-old daughter.
According to court documents, the Department of Child Services contacted Chesterton Police on April 22, 2025, regarding allegations that the child was involved in an inappropriate relationship with an adult male. Salzameda and the child were reported to be homeless and living in a tent.
On April 24, 2025, Salzameda and the child denied the allegations when interviewed by police and DCS. According to court documents, Salzameda stated the child had not been in school since March and claimed this was because the child had traveled to Mexico to visit her biological father. She also stated she did not have contact information for Raul Rodriguez Ramirez.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2025, officers responded to the Indiana Dunes State Park Campground to follow up. Police located two tents at a campsite registered to Salzameda. Officers observed a smaller tent with its “window” open and saw the child and Raul Rodriguez Ramirez sleeping together inside.
Ramirez later told police he was in a relationship with the child and had received permission from Salzameda, court documents state.
According to court documents, while at the police station, Salzameda was recorded entering the child’s interview room and whispering instructions not to answer questions and to say that nothing had happened. She also acknowledged that the child was not currently enrolled in school.
Authorities confirmed the child had not attended school since March 28, 2025. Text messages recovered during the investigation, as described in court documents, referenced the relationship and the living situation.
Salzameda was arrested in Lake County on June 6, 2025, after a traffic stop by Gary Police. According to court documents, she initially provided officers with a false name and date of birth—identifying herself as her sister. She denied having identification or knowing her Social Security number and falsely claimed the vehicle was registered to her sister. After further questioning and verification of records and photos, officers confirmed her true identity. Salzameda later admitted she lied because she was aware of an outstanding warrant and wanted to avoid arrest.
She is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail. Raul Rodriguez Ramirez is currently lodged in the Porter County Jail.
Charges filed against Tanya Myrella Salzameda (Porter County, filed June 2, 2025):
- Obstruction of Justice – Level 5 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent (placing in dangerous situation) – Level 6 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent (educational neglect) – Level 6 Felony
Additional charge filed against Tanya Myrella Salzameda (Lake County, filed June 7, 2025):
- Identity Deception – Level 6 Felony
Charges filed against Raul Rodriguez Ramirez:
- Child Molesting where defendant is at least 21 years of age – Level 1 Felony (2 counts)
- Child Molesting (fondling/touching with child under 14) – Level 4 Felony
- Child Exploitation (production of visual material) – Level 5 Felony
