Full Breakdown
New Chicago Police Chief Earl Mayo Charged with Theft, Misconduct, and Illegal Gun Sales
5/25/2026, 8:40:29 AM
Allegations, Charges, and Timeline
Earl D. Mayo, chief of the New Chicago Police Department, was indicted on seven felony counts—two theft, two official-misconduct, one attempted obstruction of justice, two unlawful-possession of anabolic-steroid charges—and a misdemeanor theft count. Prosecutors say he sold a confiscated Ruger C3 9 mm handgun to Mega Cash Pawn in Hobart, then asked an officer to repurchase the gun and retrieve suppressors from his home, telling the officer the “feds would never find” them. He also directed associate Tanika Roshawn Borders to collect steroid vials. Charges were filed May 24; Mayo was placed on administrative leave, booked in an Ohio jail, and Lake County deputies took over policing.
Key Figures and Background
Key figures: Earl D. Mayo, appointed chief in January 2023 and previously convicted of a misdemeanor theft in 2000; Tanika Roshawn Borders, 47-year-old aide charged with five felonies for assisting Mayo; Jerry Williams, Indiana State Police major, Mayo’s father and Lake County sheriff candidate; Sue Pelfrey, New Chicago town manager who referred inquiries to attorney Lloyd Mullins; Myrna Maldonado, spokesperson for the Lake County prosecutor’s office.
Data Summary
Court documents show Mayo sold twelve firearms to Mega Cash Pawn and possessed two veterinary-grade steroid vials; he faces seven felony and one misdemeanor counts, while Borders faces five felony counts.
Official Statements & Responses
Lake County prosecutors confirmed the indictment and said Mayo remains detained in Clark County, Ohio. Town manager Pelfrey declined comment, referring questions to attorney Mullins. Police noted the investigation began after a firearm-trace request flagged the pawn-shop sale. Jerry Williams expressed family concern, reaffirmed Mayo’s presumption of innocence, and said any proven misconduct must be addressed.
Criticism & Opposition
Watchdog groups question whether New Chicago officials knew of Mayo’s 2000 misdemeanor before his 2023 appointment, urging an independent audit of hiring and oversight practices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Chicago Tribune cites a Ruger C3 9 mm handgun, while CBS News reports a Taurus G3, showing a discrepancy in the weapon model; no clarification on background-check findings has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If it is ultimately established that Earl engaged in the conduct alleged by the government, then he must and should accept responsibility for his actions and face the consequences.” — Jerry Williams, Indiana State Police major
- “Under our criminal justice system, Earl is presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise.” — Jerry Williams
- “Williams released the following statement on Saturday: "My wife and I and our family are deeply concerned over recent information regarding our son, Earl Mayo, chief of the New Chicago Police Department.” — Jerry Williams
What’s Next
Mayo remains on administrative leave while Lake County deputies oversee New Chicago policing. He is slated to appear in court in the coming weeks, and the town has pledged a review of its hiring and oversight policies.
