Former Gary police chief arrested on child pornography charges – NBC Chicago

A former Indiana deputy police chief has been arrested and is now facing federal child pornography charges, officials said, following an investigation by the Justice Department.

According to a press release from the Indiana State Police, former Commander James Bond was arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving and possessing child pornography.

The Indiana State Police conducted the investigation and reported the findings to the Department of Justice so that charges could be filed in the case.

“Let me be clear: actions like those alleged in the complaint will not be tolerated in our community, especially within our agency,” Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon said in a statement. “When we became aware of these allegations, swift action was taken to ensure the safety of our employees and the named officer was immediately removed from his command.”

In mid-July, Bond was demoted and stripped of his police powers, and retired on Aug. 19, Gary city officials said.

“I am shocked and disappointed to learn of the charges against a former officer,” Mayor Eddie Melton told NBC Chicago. “The alleged actions of this individual are reprehensible and do not at all represent the core values ​​of the city of Gary, nor the core values ​​of my administration.”

Warning: The following description of the alleged crimes in this case may be disturbing to some readers.

According to the criminal complaint, the minor in the case was employed by the city of Gary as a summer youth worker and was assigned to the Gary Police Department.

The suspect in the case is said to have forced the minor to perform sexually explicit acts and send the images.

If Bond is found guilty, he could face up to 30 years in prison.