Indianapolis police officer charged with illegal deer harvesting

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer faces criminal charges for allegedly harvesting deer illegally in Steuben County.

In an email to news media on Friday afternoon, IMPD said 10-year officer Aaron Mauk was charged on March 3 with misdemeanor counts of unlawful taking of a deer, and providing false information to a check station.

IMPD says the charges followed an investigation by Indiana conservation officers where Mauk reportedly admitted to harvesting three deer in 2025 without a license. IMPD Chief Tanya Terry on Wednesday placed Mauk on administrative duty and removed his police powers pending a review of the case facts. IMPD’s investigations division and its internal affairs team have each started reviews of the incident.

IMPD detectives determined Mauk was an off-duty officer at the time of the alleged crimes.

The investigation began on Jan. 3 when Indiana conservation officers interviewed Mauk at a home in Fishers. This initial meeting was part of an investigation into his involvement in illegal deer harvesting.

A follow-up interview took place on Jan. 12, when Mauk admitted to harvesting three deer in Steuben County during the 2025 season without the required license.

Following the investigation, the Steuben County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges on March 3. Steuben Superior court issued a summons that was mailed to Mauk. His initial hearing was scheduled for March 16, but online records did not show any action following that event.

Steuben County is on Indiana’s northeast corner.