Bob Kasarda

VALPARAISO — A 53-year-old Hammond man, who referenced the television show "To Catch a Predator" when caught attempting to meet up in February with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, was sentenced this week to a year and a half behind bars, records show.

Mark Landes had pleaded guilty to one felony count of child solicitation and was sentenced Tuesday by Porter Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Buitendorp to four years behind bars with all but 18 months suspended and to be served on formal probation, according to the order.

He is further required to take part in a sex offender evaluation and treatment, and register as sex offender and comply with those restrictions for ten years.

Portage police said they were notified on the evening of Feb. 14 by an area vigilante group that

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