Bob Kasarda

VALPARAISO — Porter County police say a 47-year-old Crown Point man reached out to a local girl through Facebook making a sexual comment and seeking to meet up even after being told she was 13.

Salvador Villarruel was arrested Friday and is charged with a felony count of child solicitation, records show.

Police said they were notified in late December of the accusations and were told Villarruel first contacted the girl in 2022 and then again in October 2024.

He allegedly asked her for a photo and then made a sexual comment to which the girl informed him she was 13, according to a charging document.

"So," Villarruel allegedly replied.

The two then spoke on a call and Villarruel is accused of attempting to lure her to the Southlake Mall in Hobart.

The girl reportedly told

See Full Page