STEUBEN COUNTY, IN (WTVB) –An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer has been placed on administrative duty after being charged with illegally harvesting deer in Steuben County.
Aaron Mauk, a 10- year veteran of the department, was formally charged March 3 with three misdemeanor counts of unlawful taking of a wild animal and one count of false information to a check in station according to investigators. Mauk admitted to harvesting three deer during the 2025 season without the required state license.
The investigation began January 3 when Indiana Conservation Officers interviewed Mauk at his residence in Fishers following reports of illegal harvesting.
IMPD Chief Tanya Terry stripped Mauk of his police powers and placed him on administrative duty March 18 after the department became aware of the formal charges. IMPD’s Internal Affairs unit has launched an administrative investigation into the incident, the findings of which will be reviewed by the Chief once complete.
A Class B Misdemeanor (Unlawful taking of deer) is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A Class C Misdemeanor (Providing False Information to a Check Station) is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Mandatory Reimbursement by Indiana Code requires individuals who unlawfully take deer to reimburse the state $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent violation.
Comments