Deputy Jon Samuelson's father, local FOP speak out against possible plea deal for charged shooter

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- The stolen car suspect who shot a La Porte County Sheriff's Deputy nearly four months ago could get a plea deal and some charges dropped.

Twenty-two-year-old Sharod Grafton of Chicago is charged with attempted murder and more for opening fire on Deputy Jon Samuelson, nearly paralyzing him back in May.

Now the county prosecutor is reportedly offering to cut 15-20 years off Grafton's possible sentence if he pleads guilty to the top charge.

"Jon needs to have his day in court. Whether he walks into that court, goes by a walker or a wheelchair, Jon needs to be in that court," says Doug Samuelson, Deputy Jon Samuelson's father.

Doug Samuelson, Jon's father, says they found out about the potential plea agreement on Friday, to their complete shock.

"I think Jon is truly disappointed that it wouldn't have been his decision," says Doug Samuelson.

They say the deal would include the removal of weapons enhancement charges, which could have added 15-20 years to Grafton's sentence.

"I think he deserves every minute of time that we can give him, and I think Jon deserves that," says Samuelson.

Over the weekend, Jon's wife Quinn, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office, and the FOP Dunes Lodge #75 all publicly shared their disapproval of the potential plea deal.

That sentiment was backed by the public, with an online petition now garnering thousands of signatures.

"I began thinking, 'Well, if I can get enough public support and push, maybe we can get something in front of the judge that can stop it," says Curtis Elliot, who began the Change.org petition.

"It continues to make us feel good inside that people are supporting Jon and how he feels, and that's what prosecutor should have did," says Samuelson.

La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan responding to ABC57's inquiry saying:

"I appreciate the public feedback, as the ability to advocate and speak freely is Constitutional bedrock. However, I cannot comment beyond the public record, as it could be considered prejudicial to the defendant, preventing him from getting a fair trial."

Local law enforcement like FOP Dunes Lodge President Brian Wright feel this decision by Fagan sets a dangerous precedent.

"We depend on our prosecutor's office when we arrest somebody or are working on a case, we expect them to do their due diligence and to carrying that forward once it's out of our hands, and we feel like with this case that has not been done that way," says Brian Wright, FOP Dunes Lodge #75 President.

"What kind of statement does this send to all law enforcement in this area that we're going to make a plea deal with a guy that shot one of our own," questions Samuelson.

Wright is also calling on Fagan to resign his membership from the FOP Dunes Lodge since they say he is not supporting law enforcement with his decision.

Doug says Jon is working hard every day in therapy and has made several strides to get back to the person he once was, but they know it's still a long road to recovery ahead of them.