HAMMOND MAN GETS SPLIT VERDICT IN CHILD MOLESTING TRIAL
A Hammond man got a split verdict Tuesday after he skipped his child molesting trial.
Jorge Patino, 33, was charged after repeatedly raping a preteen girl as a “punishment” when she refused to watch porn, charges allege.
He was acquitted on a top count, child molesting resulting in the transmission of a serious sexually transmitted disease. However, Patino was convicted of 14 other counts – which included child molesting, rape, criminal confinement, intimidation and dissemination of matter harmful to minors.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled Oct. 15.
Hammond Police wrote the abuse happened sometime between Jan. 1, 2022, and June 10, 2024.
The victim told investigators that inappropriate touching had progressed to repeated sexual assaults at Patino’s relative’s house.
HAMMOND MAN’S CONVICTION UPHELD FOR ATTACKING CO-WORKER
The Indiana Court of Appeals recently upheld a Hammond man’s conviction for hog-tying and attacking a co-worker.
Aric Fulton, now 53, was sentenced to 52 years in October 2025.
The victim told police Fulton invited him to his apartment Nov. 22, 2022, to celebrate Fulton’s 50th birthday. He appeared drunk when the victim showed up.
A jury convicted him in May 2025 of attempted murder, robbery, criminal confinement, aggravated battery, strangulation and two counts of battery. He claimed self-defense, saying he was trying to protect himself from the victim’s attack.
Court documents state Fulton told the victim he was the “black Jeffery Dahmer.”
In a 4-0 decision, Judge Paul Felix wrote the court had not “erred by admitting and excluding certain evidence at trial.”
Fulton can appeal to the Indiana Supreme Court. His earliest release date is in November 2061.