A man was convicted Monday after groping a teen at the Hammond Public Library.
Tony Clark, 23, of Hammond, was charged in November 2023 with sexual battery, a Level 6 felony. He could face six months to 2 ½ years in prison. His sentencing is May 30.
Charging documents state the victim, 16, reported on Nov. 15 that Clark brushed against her, then 20 seconds later, grabbed her backside. Officers found Clark on Sibley Street nearby.
The girl added more details on the stand, lawyers said Monday, that Clark also put his hand up her skirt. Deputy Prosecutor Arturo Balcazar said in closing arguments she had been “embarrassed” to say what happened.
Defense lawyer Michael Lambert questioned how that was only first disclosed in court Monday.
Her story got “exaggerated” on the stand, he later said.
In documents, Clark told police he stopped by the library to pick up a phone charger that day. When officers asked if anything happened with the girl, Clark said nothing sexual-related happened, which they thought was “odd,” since they hadn’t brought it up.
Lambert told jurors Clark Monday didn’t commit sexual battery, suggesting battery, a lower charge, if they found him guilty.
mcolias@post-trib.com