Crackdown on area massage parlors sheds light on exploitation of workers - The Times of Northwest Indiana

[mnews]

Bob Kasarda


MICHIGAN CITY — Police said they brought an end to alleged illegal activity at area massage parlors, while "providing a pathway to safety and stability for those caught in these circumstances."


The crackdown, involving various police agencies, targeted massage parlors in Michigan City and Trail Creek and resulted in the arrest of five people on prostitution-related charges, according to news release.


Undercover officers booked massages as part of the investigation and confirmed illegal activity was underway, police said.


"In addition to enforcement efforts, HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) and police social workers assisted in providing resources and support to the women involved, ensuring they had access to necessary services," police said.


"Officers and social workers worked together to offer victim advocacy and a variety of social services. Law enforcement remains committed to not only shutting down illegal operations, but also providing a pathway to safety and stability for those caught in these circumstances."

People are also reading…​

Michigan City Police Chief Marty Corley and Trail Creek Chief Marshal Steve Dick said in a joint statement, "This investigation demonstrates our commitment to disrupting criminal enterprises while also recognizing that many individuals involved in these operations may be victims of exploitation."


"Our priority is not only to hold offenders accountable, but also to offer support and resources to those in need," they said.


Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch praised the collaborative efforts by law enforcement agencies.


"From the moment our administration became aware of concerns about these establishments, we took swift action, launching a thorough investigation with the code enforcement department and Michigan City Police," she said.


"This successful operation demonstrates our commitment to enforcing the law and protecting our community," according to Deuitch. "Over the course of this investigation, we remained focused on the facts and the integrity of the investigation to deliver real results."


"Michigan City will not tolerate illegal activity, and we will continue working to uphold public safety and quality of life for our residents," she said.


Anyone with information regarding illegal activities at massage parlors or other businesses are encouraged to provide the information to the LaPorte County Drug Task Force at 219-873-1488 or via social media.


"Additionally, police and public health officials recognize that this operation may create a need for further resources," according to Michigan City police. "Those seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Michigan City Police Department Social Workers at 219-874-3221 for support and inquiries."

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into LaPorte County Jail​

Brice Bainum​

Arrest Date: March 4, 2025

Arresting Agency: Michigan City Police Department

Offense Description: Murder

Class: Felony

Age: 32

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Justin Jamieson​

Arrest Date: March 5, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte Police Department

Offense Description: Criminal Recklessness; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon

Class: Felonies

Age: 36

Residence: LaPorte, IN

Robert Coldiron​

Arrest Date: March 6, 2025

Arresting Agency: Michigan City Police Department

Offense Description: Escape

Class: Felony

Age: 45

Residence: LaPorte, IN

Halie Lewis​

Arrest Date: March 6, 2025

Arresting Agency: Michigan City Police Department

Offense Description: Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death

Class: Felony

Age: 23

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Heather Kist​

Arrest Date: March 7, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office

Offense Description: Aggravated Battery

Class: Felony

Age: 30

Residence: LaPorte, IN

Harley Hatchel​

Arrest Date: March 7, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office

Offense Description: Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury; Identity Deception

Class: Felonies

Age: 32

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Xavier Cooper​

Arrest Date: March 7, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte Police Department

Offense Description: Criminal Recklessness; Criminal Confinement; Felon Carrying a Handgun; Armed Robbery

Class: Felonies

Age: 23

Residence: Elkhart, IN

Jeffrey Utpatel​

Arrest Date: March 7, 2025

Arresting Agency: Michigan City Police Department

Offense Description: Failure to Return to Lawful Detention; Resisting Law Enforcement; Theft; Failure to Appear; Failure to Comply

Class: Felonies

Age: 51

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Tiffany Matamoros​

Arrest Date: March 7, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte Police Department

Offense Description: Intimidation; Domestic Battery

Class: Felony; Misdemeanor

Age: 45

Residence: DeWitt, AK

Joseph Warnke​

Arrest Date: March 9, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office

Offense Description: Domestic Battery

Class: Misdemeanor

Age: 58

Residence: Michigan City, IN

David Hicks​

Arrest Date: March 9, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office

Offense Description: OWI

Class: Felony

Age: 74

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Ismael Xolo Escribano​

Arrest Date: March 10, 2025

Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police

Offense Description: OWI

Class: Felony

Age: 22

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Jeremiah Cox​

Arrest Date: March 6, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office

Offense Description: Domestic Battery

Class: Felony

Age: 27

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Isaias Ojeda​

Arrest Date: March 6, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte Police Department

Offense Description: Auto Theft, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor; Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury

Class: Felonies; Misdemeanor

Age: 21

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Rogeilito Huerta-Tomas​

Arrest Date: March 7, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte Police Department

Offense Description: Causing Serious Bodily Injury when Operating a Motor Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More (F5)

Class: Felony

Age: 19

Residence: LaPorte, IN

Zachree Gleason​

Arrest Date: March 5, 2025

Arresting Agency: Michigan City Police Department

Offense Description: Failure to Return to Lawful Detention; Residential Entry

Class: Felonies

Age: 19

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Mary Kay Holmes-Morrow​

Arrest Date: March 6, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte Police Department

Offense Description: Failure to Appear

Class: Felony

Age: 45

Residence: South Bend, IN

Jose Balderas Ambros​

Arrest Date: March 5, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office

Offense Description: OWI

Class: Misdemeanor

Age: 27

Residence: Michigan City, IN

Danny Loggins​

Arrest Date: March 4, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office

Offense Description: Domestic Battery

Class: Felony

Age: 50

Residence: LaPorte, IN

Cody Fredenburg​

Arrest Date: March 4, 2025

Arresting Agency: LaPorte Police Department

Offense Description: Possession of Methamphetamine

Class: Felony

Age: 31

Residence: LaPorte, IN

Leslie Lister​

Arrest Date: March 4, 2025

Arresting Agency: Michigan City Police Department

Offense Description: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Class: Felony

Age: 41

Residence: Dayton, OH



0 Comments

'); var s = document.createElement('script'); s.setAttribute('src', 'https://assets.revcontent.com/master/delivery.js'); document.body.appendChild(s); window.removeEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); __tnt.log('Load Rev Content'); } } }, 100); window.addEventListener('scroll', throttledRevContent); }

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter​

Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.