Authorities: New Chicago police chief sold guns from investigations

Key Points:

• New Chicago Police Chief Earl D. Mayo, 45, was arrested on multiple felony charges including theft of confiscated firearms, official misconduct, attempted obstruction of justice, and unlawful possession of anabolic steroids, with the investigation revealing he sold seized guns to a Hobart pawn shop.
• Tanika Roshawn Borders, 47, is also charged with assisting Mayo, attempting to buy back firearms, possessing anabolic steroids, and attempted obstruction of justice, including damaging steroid vials at Mayo’s direction.
• The investigation began after police traced a confiscated Ruger handgun sold at Mega Cash Pawn, leading to the discovery that Mayo, who was the arresting officer in the original case, had sold the weapon and requested others be retrieved from his home.
• Mayo, who has a prior misdemeanor theft conviction from 2000 and was appointed New Chicago Police Chief in January 2023, has been placed on administrative leave while Lake County police have taken over local policing duties.
• Mayo’s father, Indiana State Police Major Jerry Williams and Lake County Sheriff candidate, stated that if the allegations are proven, Mayo must accept responsibility and face consequences.