A Lake County jury found Michael Langford guilty on multiple felony charges tied to the sexual abuse of minors, concluding a years-long investigation led by local law enforcement and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
Court records and trial testimony show the investigation began in August 2019 after a suspected child abuse report was filed with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. A teenage victim disclosed the abuse to his grandparents, leading authorities to open a criminal investigation.
Detectives from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Unit conducted forensic interviews with three minor victims. Each described ongoing sexual abuse over several years while living in multiple states, including Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee. Investigators stated the abuse mainly occurred while the children lived in Crown Point.
According to court documents, the victims consistently reported manipulation and coercion, including claims that money, gifts, and other incentives were used to enable the abuse. Investigators also recovered physical evidence, including a handwritten ledger allegedly used to track payments, which became part of the investigation.
After completing the investigation, prosecutors formally charged Langford, and the case moved forward in Lake County Superior Court.
This week, the jury returned guilty verdicts on the following counts:
-
Three counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor (Level 4 felonies)
-
Two counts of Child Seduction (Level 5 felonies)
In a statement following the verdict, Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter commended his prosecution team and the law enforcement officers involved.
“This outcome reflects the professionalism, persistence, and compassion shown by everyone involved,” Carter said. “Because of their efforts, justice was achieved for the victims.”
Carter also recognized the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, including members of the Special Victims Unit and the detectives who conducted the forensic interviews.
Sentencing for Langford is scheduled for March 19, 2026.