Indiana Police Chief Arrested In Ohio As Investigators Search Home And File Multiple Criminal Charges

INDIANA — A northwest Indiana police chief is now facing multiple criminal charges after being arrested in Ohio in a case that has quickly drawn attention across both Indiana and Illinois law enforcement circles.

Authorities confirmed that Earl Mayo, the police chief of the New Chicago Police Department, was taken into custody Friday in Clark County, Ohio.

At first, officials released very little information about why Mayo had been arrested. Jail records confirmed he was being held in Clark County, while investigators simultaneously executed a search at his home in Merrillville, Indiana.

The investigation escalated even further on Sunday when prosecutors in Lake County, Indiana formally filed criminal charges against the police chief.

According to court filings, Mayo is now charged with official misconduct, obstruction of justice, theft, and unlawful possession of an anabolic steroid.

The case immediately shocked many people in northwest Indiana because Mayo was not just another officer. He was serving as the top law enforcement official for the town of New Chicago at the time of his arrest.

The situation also gained additional attention because Mayo’s father is Jerry Williams, a longtime Indiana State Police major who is currently running for Lake County sheriff.

Williams released a public statement after news of the arrest became public, saying the family was “deeply concerned” over the allegations surrounding his son.

In the statement, Williams said he and his wife raised their children with strong values and said the allegations were difficult for the family to process. He also emphasized that Mayo is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and stated that if the allegations are ultimately proven true, his son should accept responsibility and face the consequences.

Investigators have still not publicly released many of the details surrounding the criminal investigation itself, including what specifically led authorities to arrest Mayo in Ohio or what evidence investigators allegedly recovered during the search of his Indiana home.

Officials have also not clarified whether the alleged misconduct is tied directly to Mayo’s role as police chief or if additional agencies could become involved in the investigation moving forward.

The arrest has already created major questions surrounding the future leadership of the New Chicago Police Department as residents wait for more information from prosecutors and investigators.

As of now, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.