Michigan City Predator Neil Lachmund Jailed for 54 Years

Michigan City, IN – In a stunning reversal of his former duties, Neil Lachmund, 46, has been sentenced to 54 years in prison for his monstrous crimes against children. Lachmund, who once wore the badge as a law enforcement officer, was found guilty of sexual exploitation of children and producing child pornography over a decade-long period.

United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty imposed the sentence after Lachmund pleaded guilty to the charges. He will also serve life on supervised release following his prison term. A restitution hearing is scheduled for a later date to determine the compensation due to the victims.

The grim details of the case reveal that Lachmund produced and distributed graphic images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. His crimes were uncovered after forensic analysis of his electronic devices exposed tens of thousands more such materials. The investigation revealed that Lachmund’s offenses began while he was employed in law enforcement, a betrayal of the trust placed in him to protect society.

Acting U.S. Attorney M. Scott Proctor decried the former officer’s actions as a “vile and loathsome” act of betrayal. ‘This sentence puts an end to Lachmund’s depredations and serves as a stark warning to other predators,’ he stated. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to bringing justice to survivors and ensuring that no one is above the law.

The investigation into Lachmund was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes against Children Unit (ICAC). Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T. Jones prosecuted the case. The sentence follows from Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative to combat child exploitation and abuse.

For more information on Project Safe Childhood and its efforts to protect children, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.