An Ohio man has admitted his involvement in a 2019 home invasion in which a stun gun was used on an Amish father and his 8-year-old son. Bradford Hosler, 33, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 16, to aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
The plea deal, filed in Geauga County Common Pleas Court, resulted in the discharge of one more aggravated robbery offense and two kidnapping charges.
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The case comes from an October 2019 incident in Middlefield Township. Investigators say Hosler led a group that invaded an Amish home and business, particularly targeting the family for cash. During the raid, investigators claim Hosler repeatedly used a stun gun on both the father and the small son while demanding money.
Prosecutors reported that the group tried to kidnap the 8-year-old, who managed to escape after enduring restraints and threats. The toddler escaped the suspects and crossed an open field to reunite with his father.
After ransacking the residence, the attackers left with around $5,000 in cash.
Sheriff officials had already identified Hosler as the operation’s “ringleader.” Hosler had only been out of state custody for a few weeks when he was attacked, having just completed a sentence for domestic violence and breaking and entering.
Hosler remains in detention as he awaits his sentencing date.
Three other men—Ricky Lee Martin, 43; William Hatfield, 44; and Randall Crome, 36—are charged with aggravated burglary, kidnapping, and assault in connection with the same incident.
Martin is charged with cooperation and firearms crimes, while Hatfield and Crome are accused of additional theft. Trials for the three defendants have not yet begun.
