Authorities raided the Hobart Township Trustee’s office Wednesday, just two days after they raided a Hobart pawn shop as the investigation intensified into criminal charges against former New Chicago Police Chief Earl Mayo.
On Wednesday, Indiana State Police officers wouldn’t talk about their visit to the trustee’s office that’s been the home of the New Chicago Police since Nov. 21, 2024, according to town manager Sue Pelfrey.
“As a matter of policy, we do not comment on active investigations. We will not confirm which agencies may be involved or provide details regarding the scope of an investigation,” said Sgt. Glen Fifield, public information officer for the state police’s Lowell post.
State police are conducting the investigation into Mayo, 45, of Merrillville, as he faces seven felony charges filed last month. The New Chicago Police Commission fired him last week.
Authorities said a firearms trace by the Lake County Prosecutor’s office showed a gun in an investigation was sold to Mega Cash Pawn, 1035 37th Ave. Police raided the business Monday.
Last month, the pawn shop manager showed police documentation that they paid Mayo $2,610 on April 29 for a dozen guns, including the Taurus G3 handgun tagged in the trace, according to an affidavit.
On Wednesday, Hobart Township board member Joe Clemmons posted on social media that the FBI and Indiana State Police executed a search warrant at Rosser Hall involving the New Chicago Police offices located upstairs, as well as the department’s evidence locker housed within the building.
Because of the activity, the trustee’s office was closed and a notice was taped on the front door.
Robert Malloy, of Hobart, turned away at the locked door and headed back to his car. He held papers in his hand and said he was applying for a permit.
“Bad timing, I guess,” he said.
ISP Detective Ben Rector exited the building and returned inside but said he couldn’t comment on the investigation.
On Monday and Wednesday, authorities wouldn’t disclose what evidence they were seeking.
Town officials said Mayo sought permission to store guns confiscated in criminal investigations in his home safe in Merrillville in October 2024 because the town had moved its temporary offices to a River Forest school and guns aren’t allowed in schools.
It’s unclear whether he sought permission from Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter, who said last week he never would have approved such a move.
Mayo has been charged with two theft counts, two official misconduct counts, one attempted obstruction of justice count and two counts of possession of anabolic steroids. He is also charged with misdemeanor theft.
He’s the son of ISP Maj. Jerry Williams, the Democratic nominee for Lake County Sheriff.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune; reporter Meredith Colias-Pete contributed.
