La Porte Co. deputy's family, police union criticize plea agreement in Michigan City shooting case
LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. (WLS) -- The man accused of nearly killing a La Porte County sheriff's deputy is cutting a deal with prosecutors, drawing criticism from the deputy's family and his police union.
"I take it as a slap to all law enforcement in this area," Douglas Samuelson said.
Douglas Samuelson said his son was shot three times. Court filings reveal Sharod Grafton opened fire three times -- and tried to shoot a fourth -- after the deputy gave him a ride to the hospital.
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Grafton has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. But an enhancement that could add 15 years to a possible prison sentence appears to be removed as part of the agreement.
"My understanding is, in agreement for pleading to the attempted murder of a police officer, they would take that off the table," Douglas Samuelson said.
ABC7 reached out to prosecuting attorney Sean Fagan, who said he could not comment on the case.
"The current case is an active one, and because of professional ethics, I can only speak out of the public record..."
Brian Wright, president of Fraternal Order of Police Dunes Lodge No. 75, told ABC7 that the plea agreement has sent a chilling message.
"We would expect that the prosecutor would swing for the fences with this case and do his due diligence," Wright said. "We feel like he really does not support us with his actions by offering this plea agreement instead of taking it to trial like Jon would like."
Deputy Samuelson's wife, Quinn, posted on Facebook asking members of the public to contact the prosecutor directly.
"Ultimately, it will go before the judge who's going to be in the case, and she will decide if the plea bargain will be accepted," Douglas Samuelson said.
The defendant is due back in court later this month, and the deputy's family said they plan to attend the hearing.
