Busted Newspaper LaPorte County: Mugshots & Arrest Records

If you are searching for LaPorte County mugshots (including Michigan City, La Porte, and Westville), you have likely stumbled upon BustedNewspaper.

It is one of the most visible sites in Northwest Indiana because it automatically scrapes booking photos from the LaPorte County Jail daily.

But here is the critical warning: Busted Newspaper is an automated “scraper” site. It posts photos instantly but often fails to update the status.

This means you might see a mugshot of a friend who bonded out days ago, or someone whose charges were dropped. To get the truth, you need to use the “Official Source Strategy” below.

Step 1: How to Search “Busted Newspaper LaPorte County” Correctly

Busted Newspaper is messy and full of ads. If you just scroll the main feed, you will see a mix of arrests that can be confusing.

The “Booking Date” Trick:

Find the Record: Search for the specific LaPorte County section on their site.
Check the Timestamp: Look closely at the “Booking Date” under the photo.
The 24-Hour Rule: If the date is older than 24 hours, STOP. Do not assume they are still sitting in the jail on State Street. Most people bond out within a day. You must use the official links in Step 2 to verify.

Step 2: The “Truth Check” (Official Verification)

This is the most important step. You have seen the photo; now you need the facts. You must check the official government database to see if they are actually in custody.

Option A: The Official Jail Tracker (Real-Time)

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office uses a specific system called JailTracker to display current inmates.

Go to the Official Site: Visit the LaPorte County Sheriff Inmate Search.
Click the Logo: Look for the “JailTracker” logo or link on the page.
Search: Enter the Last Name.
Analyze the Result:
- If they appear: They are officially In Custody. You can see their exact bond amount and charges here.
- If they do NOT appear: They have been released, even if Busted Newspaper still shows the photo.

Option B: Indiana Court Search (MyCase)

If you want to know if they have a court date or if the case was dismissed, use the state system.

Website: mycase.in.gov
Instructions: Select “Criminal” and enter their name. This is the most accurate way to see if charges were dropped.

Step 3: Official 2026 Resource Directory

If you need to post bail, drop off money, or visit an inmate, do not contact Busted Newspaper. They cannot help you.

Here are the verified 2026 contacts for LaPorte County.

LaPorte County Jail

Who is here? Arrests from La Porte PD, Michigan City PD, and Sheriff’s Deputies.
Address: 809 State Street, La Porte, IN 46350
Jail Phone: (219) 362-6548
Sheriff’s Admin: (219) 326-7700
Visitation: LaPorte County uses Video Visitation (often via Securus Technologies). You generally need to register online to schedule a visit; walk-ins are rarely accepted without an appointment.

LaPorte County Clerk of Court

Use this for: Checking court dates, paying fines, or getting certified copies of “Dismissal Orders” (needed to remove mugshots).
Address: 813 Lincolnway, Suite 105, La Porte, IN 46350
Phone (La Porte): (219) 326-6808 (Ext. 2471)
Phone (Michigan City): (219) 874-5611 (Ext. 7729)

💡 Practical FAQ: What You Need to Know

1. Is this the same as the Indiana State Prison?

No. This is a common point of confusion.

LaPorte County Jail: Located at 809 State St. This is for recent arrests and county inmates.
Indiana State Prison: Also located in Michigan City. This is a state prison for convicted felons serving long sentences. Busted Newspaper usually covers the County Jail, not the State Prison.

2. How do I remove my mugshot from Busted Newspaper?

The Law: Indiana allows websites to publish public records. They are not legally required to take it down just because you ask.
The “Expungement” Loophole: If your charges were Dismissed, Acquitted, or Expunged, you have leverage.
1. Go to MyCase.in.gov and print your case summary showing the dismissal.
2. Use the “Contact” or “Removal” link at the bottom of the Busted Newspaper website.
3. Upload the document. They are much more likely to remove it if you provide legal proof that the record is clear.

3. Why does the bond say “$0.00”?

In LaPorte County, this often means they are being held for a “Probable Cause” (PC) Hearing or they are being held on a warrant from another county. It usually means they cannot bond out yet and must see a judge first (typically the next morning).