LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. () — The man charged in the shooting of a La Porte County sheriff’s deputy is expected to accept a plea agreement, a development that has drawn sharp objections from the deputy’s family and his police union.
“I take it as a slap to all law enforcement in this area,” said Douglas Samuelson.
Samuelson said his son was struck by three bullets. According to court documents, Sharod Grafton allegedly fired three shots—and attempted to fire another—after the deputy had driven him to a hospital.
Grafton has denied the attempted-murder charge. Under the reported agreement, however, an enhancement that could have added 15 years to his potential sentence would apparently be dropped.
“My understanding is, in agreement for pleading to the attempted murder of a police officer, they would take that off the table,” Samuelson said.
ABC7 contacted Prosecutor Sean Fagan for comment, but he said he could not discuss 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 the Fraternal Order of Police Dunes Lodge No. 75, said the proposed plea deal has raised serious concerns among officers.
“We would expect that the prosecutor would swing for the fences with this case and do his due diligence,” Wright told ABC7. “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.”
Quinn Samuelson, the deputy’s wife, urged people on Facebook to contact the prosecutor about the agreement.
“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.
Grafton is scheduled to return to court later this month. The deputy’s family said they intend to be there for the hearing.
