BEDFORD – Lawrence County Superior Court I Judge John Plummer III, on Thursday, July 13, dismissed all charges filed against Steven Bradley, of West Baden after the state failed to provide sufficient evidence in the case.
Bradley was facing two felony counts of burglary and residential entry.
According to court records a jury was seated and was ready to begin hearing testimony that morning.
The jury heard opening statements and then in an unprecedented move the state rested its case, presenting no evidence to the jury.
Lawrence County Deputy Prosecutors Sarah Cummings and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Joshua Scherschel were presenting the case for the state.
Defense Attorneys Denise Turner and Adam Larimer who represent Bradley immediately asked for a directed verdict. A directed verdict is a ruling entered by a trial judge after determining that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to reach a different conclusion. A judge in a criminal case may direct a verdict of acquittal on the basis that the prosecution has not proved its case which Judge Plummer did.
Lawrence County Prosecutor Samuel Arp asked for a step-down instruction to the jury. In giving the instructions, the judge will state the issues in the case. The Judge will discuss the standard of proof that jurors should apply to the case – “beyond a reasonable doubt” in a criminal case. Judge Plummer ruled denied the request.
Judge Plummer ruled the state failed to prove its case and the charges, in this case, were dropped against Bradley.
Bradley was arrested after Mitchell Police officers responded to 930 Walker Addition on Saturday, July 2, 2022, after a report that someone had broken into her neighbor’s home and was still inside.
When an officer arrived he could hear glass breaking and items falling onto the floor. The officer attempted to enter through the front door but the door was locked.
The officer was able to enter by opening a garage door. The officer shouted his presence but received no response and continued to make his way through the house. He again announced his presence and heard the shuffling of feet across the floor. He exited the kitchen and went down a long hallway announcing his presence and that he would release his canine partner.
A male, 33-year-old Steve Bradley, of West Baden Springs, approached the officer with his hands up along with a female, 43-year-old Christy Gratzer, of Mitchell.
Bradley told the officer, “man we’re here cleaning”. Bradley said he was cleaning the kitchen but when asked why they were found in a bedroom he had no answer.
While on the scene the homeowner arrived home and stated no one had permission to be in her home and she did not know the two people found inside her home. The woman’s home had been broken into the day before and jewelry was missing.
While en route to the jail, Gratzer told the officers that “a ton” of jewelry showed up at her apartment early that morning and she did not know whose Jewelry it was. She then gave the officer permission to go to her apartment on North 6th Street and retrieve the jewelry.
The officer found the jewelry throughout Gratzer and Bradley’s bedroom.
While searching for the jewelry, the officers found two used syringes that tested positive for meth.
The officer then had Gratzer sign a content search form to look for drugs in the apartment.
The officer found three unopened syringes, a small plastic baggie continuing meth residue, and a small bottle with several prescription pills which neither had a prescription for.
The jewelry was identified by the burglarized homeowner as hers. The total amount of the jewelry stolen was around $5,000. A ring that belonged to the homeowner’s grandmother that was worth around $3,000 was not recovered and is still missing.
Bradley and Gratzer were both arrested for the burglary.
Gratzer is also facing charges of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a syringe, possession of meth, and possession of a legend drug.
Gratzer has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a pretrial conference is scheduled for September 20, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in Lawrence County Superior Court I.
