Lake County Patrol Officer Nicholas Katalinic

Lake County Sheriff Officer charged with domestic stalking

Contributed By:The 411 News

The Indiana State Police are investigating alleged criminal activity by an officer of the Lake County Sheriff's Department.

In early July 2022, the Criminal Investigations Division at the Lowell Post began an investigation centered around an allegation that an officer had used police resources to stalk and harass an ex-domestic partner. During the investigation, it was learned that Patrol Officer Nicholas Katalinic had made false statements to the Lake County 911 Center in order to determine the whereabouts of an ex-domestic partner.

Katalinic had also used the “Spillman” program to determine the location of the ex-domestic partnerl. The “Spillman” program is a program used by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department for specific law enforcement purposes. During the investigation, it was also determined that Katalinic had made several unwanted phone calls to the victim.

In those phone calls, Katalinic made specific references as to knowing the victim’s whereabouts, as well as other references regarding the well-being of their shared child.

Once the investigation was completed, the findings were submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office where it was recommended the filing of charges of Stalking - a Level 6 Felony and Harassment by Means of Telephone - a Class B Misdemeanor.

Patrol Officer Katalinic was hired as a civilian employee of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department May 13, 2013. He became a reserve officer and was sworn in as a police officer December 26, 2016.

Officer Katalinic is currently on paid administrative leave during the investigation and ongoing judicial process, said Sheriff Oscar Martinez. Information regarding these charges will be forwarded to the Lake County Police Merit Board for appropriate action consistent with Merit Board rules and regulations.

Story Posted:08/30/2022