Observors: Van Til's indictment adds to region's political corruption stain

CROWN POINT | Prominent Lake County Democrat George Van Til's indictment Friday on felony fraud charges has local politicos wondering just how many more black eyes the party will take in the federal government's ongoing corruption probe.

C.P. business owner, Penn. gun dealer named in separate indictments

HAMMOND | Federal authorities in Hammond announced the indictment Friday of a Pennsylvania gun dealer on nine counts alleging he conspired with two former Lake County police officers in a public corruption case involving firearms sales.

U.S. attorney plans Friday announcement in public corruption probe

HAMMOND | A news conference scheduled for Friday will announce "several matters" relating to public corruption, the Hammond-based U.S. attorney reported Thursday.

Hobart police question pair in Tuesday home invasion

HOBART | Police on Wednesday had in custody two men suspected of involvement in a home invasion, police Detective Sgt. Jeremy Ogden said.

Portage man arrested in burglary; second suspect flees

PORTAGE | One man was arrested and a second suspect fled the police Sunday evening following a burglary at a home.

Salinas pleads guilty to federal bribery charge, resigns from council seat

Disgraced Hammond City Councilman Al Salinas resigned from office Monday, just a few hours after pleading guilty to taking more than $10,000 in kickbacks for steering city work to a contractor.

Porter County crime briefs

Brothers fight over use of Axe body spray

Crown Point man sought in Orland Park home invasion

ORLAND PARK | Orland Park police are seeking information on the whereabouts of a Crown Point man suspected in a home invasion and shooting early Friday.

Latin Kings drug, murder conspiracy defendant sentenced to 25 years

HAMMOND | An Illinois man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison Friday for his role in a sweeping Latin Kings street gang, drug and murder conspiracy case involving more than 20 defendants.

Cedar Lake man charged with theft from Hobart business

HOBART | A 28-year-old Cedar Lake man stole copper from a Hobart business where he was employed and sold the items for profit, police said.

M'ville couple charged with theft from Hobart business

HOBART | A Merrillville couple walked into a Walmart and drove away with two computers for which they did not pay, police said.

Hobart man charged in DQ shooting

HOBART | An 18-year-old Hobart man was charged Thursday in connection with a drive-by shooting at the downtown Dairy Queen.

Gary woman charged with theft after she uses stolen debit card to purchase computer

HOBART | A 26-year-old former Auntie Anne's employee took a customer's dropped debit card and used it to purchase a notebook computer, police said.

Remains found near Michigan City to receive DNA testing

MICHIGAN CITY | Authorities are hoping science can shed light on the identity of human remains found Friday in a wooded area west of Michigan City.

Portage man sentenced to eight years in child porn case

HAMMOND | A Portage man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison following his guilty plea to possession of child pornography.

Lake Station man charged with stealing compressed air he inhaled to get high

HOBART | A 21-year-old Lake Station man stole from a lumber yard cans of compressed air which he inhaled to get high, police said.

Free legal assistance offered Wednesday in Lake Station

LAKE STATION | Indiana Legal Services will provide free legal assistance to parents from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Edison Junior/Senior High School, 3304 Parkside Ave.

Cops: Portage man arrested after making bomb threats at Walmart

PORTAGE | A Portage man was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly making bomb threats at the Walmart, 6087 U.S. 6.

Reward grows to $10,000 in Austgen slaying

GRIFFITH | The son of a homicide victim made an emotional plea Monday for the public to provide more information about the kidnapping and slaying of his mother.

Gary man is facing federal child pornography charges

HAMMOND | A Gary man was arrested Friday on federal charges of receiving and viewing child pornography using a web-based bulletin board, U.S. District Court records show.