Former Gary commander accused of sexually exploiting minor in summer work program

GARY, Indiana — A former Gary deputy chief has been charged in federal court after allegedly forcing a minor at a youth summer program to produce sexually explicit content.

James Bond, 52, of Crown Point, is charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

Bond, who was appointed Gary’s deputy police chief last summer, was arrested Thursday morning after a grand jury indictment.

Federal prosecutors say this summer, while he was a commander, he enticed and coerced a minor into sending him sexually explicit images.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is handling the case after the Northern District of Indiana withdrew.

Bond will appear in court for the first time in Hammond on Thursday afternoon.