Former Gary police chief faces federal charges

(Gary, IN) – A former Gary, Indiana police officer has been arrested on federal charges alleging he coerced a minor into producing and recording sexually explicit material.

Indiana State Police were investigating Officer James Bond. Bond, 52, of Crown Point, was previously a captain and deputy chief with the Gary Police Department.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, Bond earlier this summer enticed a minor to produce and send him sexually explicit conduct. The minor was employed by the city of Gary at the time as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program.

Bond was arrested Thursday morning and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving and possessing child pornography. He could face up to 60 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Following Bond’s arrest, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton released a statement. “I am shocked and disappointed to hear of the charges against a former officer,” he said. “When the Gary Police Department was notified, they immediately launched an investigation into the alleged misconduct.”

Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon confirmed that his department acted swiftly on the charges. “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 position,” he said in a statement, adding: “While details of the ongoing investigation by the Indiana State Police cannot be released at this time, please be assured that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. We will continue to cooperate with the investigating agency with complete transparency.”

Authorities are looking for others who may have been victims of Bond. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to contact Homeland Security Investigations by calling 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.