Federal agents executed court-authorized activity at Paragon Restaurant in Hobart and at a Schererville home tied to the restaurant's owner on Wednesday morning, witnesses said. Diners and nearby workers reported seeing agents in tactical gear and vans as boxes were photographed and carried out of the building. There were no reports of injuries and no indication of any immediate public safety threat at the scene.
FBI confirms multi-agency operation
An FBI spokesperson told CBS Chicago the Bureau is running a "multi-agency operation" with "court authorized law enforcement activity occurring at multiple locations in Northern Indiana and other states," and that there is no known threat to the public. The agency said it could not share further details while the investigation is underway.
Agents seen at restaurant, home and Merrillville steakhouse
According to local reporting from the Northwest Indiana Times, officers were spotted at the Paragon site in Hobart, at the Schererville residence belonging to owner James Gerodemos, and at Gino's Steakhouse in Merrillville. Witnesses there described agents wearing FBI jackets and one agent marked "IRS-CI." Those on-the-ground accounts prompted follow-up coverage by regional outlets as the story developed.
Long-running local spot
Paragon Restaurant & Pub describes itself as a family-owned Hobart fixture since 1979. Its website lists the business at 1701 E. 37th Avenue and advertises breakfast, Greek specialties and banquet services. The restaurant has appeared regularly in community calendars and local directories, and staff were seen arriving and leaving during Wednesday morning's activity. No statement from the restaurant had been published as of mid-day Wednesday.
Why IRS-CI involvement matters
The presence of personnel carrying or marked with "IRS-CI" points to the possible participation of the IRS's Criminal Investigation division, which investigates tax crimes, money laundering and related financial offenses and often works with the FBI on complex financial cases, according to the IRS Criminal Investigation office. That involvement does not automatically mean charges will follow. IRS-CI says cases move forward only after evidence is developed and criminal referrals are approved by prosecutors.
What to watch next
Investigators said they could not provide additional specifics while the operation continues, and no arrests or charges had been announced as of mid-day Wednesday. This story will be updated as court records, official statements or other public filings become available.
