Charles William Krone, 57, of Michigan City, faces two felony child-solicitation charges after investigators say he drove to Portage to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl.
According to the affidavit, NWI Predator Catchers reported the incident to Portage Police on November 29, 2025, after interacting with a decoy profile posing as a 13-year-old. Officers reviewed electronic messages in which Krone acknowledged the presented age and continued the conversation.
The messages allegedly included Krone offering “$300” tied to “Netflix and chill” and discussing meeting up. Investigators stated the decoy provided a designated meeting location in Portage, and Krone drove from Michigan City believing he would meet a 13-year-old.
Police took Krone to the Portage Police Department, where he spoke with a detective after waiving his Miranda rights. He reportedly told investigators he initially thought the profile was an adult but later assumed the individual was 13. He said he planned to take the person to McDonald’s for McNuggets and then see what happened.
The affidavit notes Krone admitted that having sex with a child was “sick,” yet said he was still willing to see where it would go. Police reported he confessed to his actions during the interview.
Charges filed December 2, 2025:
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Child Solicitation — Level 4 Felony
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Child Solicitation — Level 5 Felony
Krone is lodged in the Porter County Jail.