A Lake County jury has convicted Michael Langford on multiple felony charges stemming from the sexual abuse of minors, concluding a years-long investigation by local law enforcement and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to court records and trial testimony, the investigation began in August 2019 after a report of suspected child abuse was made to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. A teenage victim disclosed the abuse to his grandparents, prompting detectives to open a criminal investigation.
Detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Unit conducted forensic interviews with three minor victims, all of whom described repeated sexual abuse occurring over several years. Investigators said the abuse took place while the children lived in multiple states, including Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee, with much of it occurring while they resided in Crown Point.
Court documents state the victims consistently reported being manipulated and coerced. Investigators testified that Langford allegedly used money, gifts, and other incentives to facilitate the abuse. Physical evidence was also recovered, including a handwritten ledger prosecutors said was used to track payments, which was introduced during the investigation.
After the investigation was completed, Langford was formally charged, and the case proceeded to trial in Lake County Superior Court.
This week, the jury returned guilty verdicts on the following charges:
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Three counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor – Level 4 felonies
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Two counts of Child Seduction – Level 5 felonies
In a statement following the verdict, Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter praised the efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement involved in the case.
“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 work of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, including detectives and members of the Special Victims Unit who conducted the forensic interviews.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2026.