(Gary, IN) - A former Gary, Indiana police officer has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly coercing a minor to produce and record sexually explicit material.

 

Indiana State Police conducted an investigation of Officer James Bond. The 52-year-old Bond, from Crown Point, was formerly a Commander and Deputy Chief with the Gary Police Department.

 

According to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court, Bond, earlier this summer, enticed a minor to produce sexually explicit conduct and send it to him. At the time, the minor was employed by the City of Gary 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 found guilty on all counts.

 

Following Bond’s arrest, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton issued a statement. “I am shocked and disappointed to hear of the indictment of a former officer,” he said. "Once the Gary Police Department was notified, they immediately triggered an investigation into the alleged wrongdoing."

 

Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon confirmed that his department acted quickly in response to the charges. “Upon becoming aware of these allegations, swift action was taken to ensure the safety of our employees and the officer named was immediately removed from his authority,” he said in a statement, adding, “While details regarding the ongoing investigation by Indiana State Police cannot be disclosed at this time, rest assured that we are treating this matter with utmost gravity. We will continue to work with the investigating agency with full transparency.”

 

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