Authorities say Earl Mayo, the police chief of New Chicago, was arrested in Ohio after investigators accused him of stealing firearms connected to criminal investigations and illegally selling them to a pawn shop.
According to WGN News, Mayo is facing serious allegations involving evidence weapons that were supposed to remain secured by the police department. Investigators claim several guns tied to criminal cases were taken from evidence storage and later sold for profit. The alleged sales reportedly took place at a pawn shop in Ohio, leading authorities to open an investigation into the missing firearms.
Law enforcement officials say the case raised major concerns because the weapons were considered key pieces of evidence connected to active or previous criminal investigations. Authorities have not yet said how many firearms were allegedly involved, but investigators believe the activity may have occurred over a period of time.
Mayo was reportedly taken into custody in Ohio and could face multiple felony charges related to theft, official misconduct, and unlawful sale of firearms. Officials have not released additional details regarding possible accomplices or whether more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
The arrest has shocked many residents in the small Northwest Indiana community, where Mayo served as police chief. Community members are now questioning how evidence weapons could allegedly disappear without being detected sooner.
Local and state investigators are continuing to review evidence procedures and department records as the case develops. Authorities say additional information, including formal charges and court proceedings, is expected to be released in the coming days.
The investigation remains ongoing.
