An Ohio man has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a vicious attack and attempted kidnapping of an Amish family that took place back in October 2019.
Bradford Hosler pleaded guilty on Monday, March 16, to aggravated robbery and kidnapping, according to Geauga County Common Pleas Court records viewed by Cleveland.com. As part of his plea, an additional charge of aggravated robbery and two additional charges of kidnapping were dismissed.
Three other men — Ricky Lee Martin, William Hatfield and Randall Crome — also are facing multiple charges in connection with the attack. Their trials have not yet started.
Authorities said that Hosler, 33, used a stun gun while trying to abduct an 8-year-old Amish boy during the invasion at the Middlefield Township home and business.
During the attack, the men repeatedly used the stun gun on the father and his son as they demanded money. Investigators said that the child was restrained and threatened during the robbery, though he managed to escape and ran across a nearby field to get back to his father.
After the family’s home was ransacked, the suspects fled with about $5,000 in cash. Sheriff’s officials previously said that Hosler was believed to be the ringleader of the planned attack.
Hosler had been released from state custody weeks before the attack took place, according to prison records viewed by the outlet. He was serving time for domestic violence and breaking and entering convictions.
A sentencing date for Hosler has not yet been set, according to court records. He will remain in jail until the next hearing.
Martin, 43, was previously indicted on one count each of complicity to commit aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery, three counts of complicity to commit kidnapping and one count of having weapons while under disability.
Meanwhile, both Hatfield, 44, and Crome, 36, were indicted on one count of aggravated burglary, one count of aggravated robbery, three counts of kidnapping, one count of theft and two counts of assault.
It is not currently clear if Martin, Hatfield or Crome have entered pleas ahead of their trials.
Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand previously said that the crime was a targeted attack, according to Cleveland.com.
Martin has a pre-trial scheduled to take place on May 6. The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office previously said that they believe Martin would scout Amish-owned businesses, residences and properties while working as an Amish taxi driver, according to Cleveland 19. It’s speculated that he would assess the value in order to determine targets for burglaries and thefts.
Hatfield is scheduled to return to court on April 21 for a trial management conference, while Cromer has a trial management conference scheduled on April 20.
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