Man accused of indecent liberties

Published 4:21 pm Monday, June 3, 2024

SOUTH BEND — Alleged inappropriate behavior has landed a South Bend man in the Pacific County Jail for felony indecent liberties. Thomas V. Careaga, 65, was arrested by the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office on May 30.

The incident came to light after the father of an alleged victim received text messages from their daughter saying that Careaga inappropriately touched her. The man called 911 and reported the allegations.

According to court records, Careaga and the teenager were drinking alcohol on May 29, and after she became intoxicated and vomited, he helped her change. The alleged victim said he took off her shirt.

“Thomas started rubbing her back and then …,” PCSO Detective Kevin Acdal stated in court records. The remaining allegations against Careaga are too sensitive to disclose.

“After speaking with [the alleged victim], I attempted to talk with Thomas, but he invoked his rights,” Acdal stated. “I placed him in handcuffs and placed him in the back of my patrol vehicle.”

Careaga was arrested and booked into the Pacific County Jail for one count of felony indecent liberties with a person incapable of consent. He made a preliminary appearance in the Pacific County Superior Court on May 31, and Judge Donald J. Richter set his bail at $50,000 and scheduled his formal arraignment for June 7.

According to jail records, Careaga posted bail on June 1.

The charge of indecent liberties without forcible compulsion is a Class B felony with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The standard range for a defendant with an offender score of 0 is 15-20 months in prison.