LAFAYETTE, IN — Lafayette police arrested Gregory Dykstal, 68, after investigators received reports that he had inappropriately touched a child, according to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors said the victim was later forensically interviewed and confirmed the complaint. Dykstal was taken into custody after speaking with investigators.
The Facts
- What: Police say Gregory Dykstal was arrested after being accused of molesting a child and later acknowledging inappropriate contact during an interview.
- Where: The case is tied to Lafayette and Tippecanoe County in Indiana.
- When: Police received reports in October 2026. Authorities said one of the visits Dykstal discussed occurred on Oct. 12.
- Who: The suspect is Gregory Dykstal, 68, of Lafayette. The victim is a child, whose name has not been released.
- Charges: The available information does not list a formal charge description, only that the arrest followed the allegations.
- Status: Dykstal has been arrested. Prosecutors say the investigation included a forensic interview of the victim and an interview with Dykstal.
What police say
According to the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office, Lafayette police first learned of the allegations in October 2026. Investigators then arranged a forensic interview with the child, a standard step in cases involving young victims.
Prosecutors said that during his interview, Dykstal described babysitting or visiting the child several times between 2022 and 2026. They said he also referred to an Oct. 12 visit at his home.
Authorities said Dykstal admitted to inappropriate touching during the interview and was arrested afterward. No further details about the reported contact were provided in the information released by prosecutors.
The investigation
In child sexual abuse investigations, police commonly start with a report from a parent, guardian, school official, medical worker or another trusted adult. Investigators then try to preserve a child’s account through a forensic interview, which is designed to limit repeated questioning and reduce the chance of confusion.
That interview can become a key part of the case file. Detectives may also compare the child’s account with statements from the suspect, messages, travel records, home access, or other evidence that helps establish whether contact occurred and when it happened.
When an arrest follows an admission, investigators often continue to document the statement, gather paperwork, and prepare the case for prosecutors. If additional witnesses or records exist, they can be used to support the timeline and determine whether more than one incident is alleged.
What the charges mean
Child molesting and similar offenses are treated as serious felony matters in Indiana. The exact level of charge depends on the alleged conduct, the age of the child, and other facts prosecutors say they can prove. A person arrested on such allegations is presumed innocent unless and until guilt is established in court.
After an arrest, the next steps usually include booking, a first court appearance, and a formal reading of the charges. In many cases, prosecutors then decide whether to file an information or seek additional counts based on the investigation.
If a defendant enters the court system, judges generally address bond, release conditions, no-contact orders, and future hearings. Those decisions are meant to protect the public, preserve evidence, and keep the case moving through the criminal process.
What happens next
Further court dates were not included in the information released by prosecutors. The case will now move through the normal pretrial process unless additional charges are filed or more evidence is presented to the court.
As the case proceeds, prosecutors can continue reviewing statements, interview records, and any other evidence collected by Lafayette police. Defense attorneys may also review the case file and challenge the allegations in court.
Have information on a crime? Contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
