A reported plea deal for the man accused of shooting LaPorte County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Samuelson is getting pushback from Samuelson’s family and local law enforcement.
ABC 7 Chicago reports 22-year-old Sharod Grafton is accused of shooting Samuelson inside a Michigan City hospital on May 22. He faces attempted murder, battery with a deadly weapon and auto theft charges, along with weapon enhancements.
The reported deal would drop the weapon enhancements, which could cut nearly 20 years off his sentence.
Samuelson’s father, Doug, says the family was upset by the offer. He says Jon and his wife, Quinn, both wanted the case to go to trial.
Doug says his son deserves the chance to have his day in court, no matter what it takes for him to get there.
The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office has called the reported plea deal “unfathomable.” The Michigan City Fraternal Order of Police is also calling for Prosecutor Sean Fagan to resign from the organization.
Fagan says he can’t comment beyond what’s already in the public record because it could affect Grafton’s right to a fair trial.
A judge would still have to approve any plea deal, and no plea hearing has been scheduled. Grafton is due back in court September 25.
Doug Samuelson says Jon continues to get better, and the family is thankful for the support they’ve received from the community.
