MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—In a harrowing case that has raised concerns about online safety for children, a Marion County jury found Bradford Deem guilty of kidnapping an 11-year-old autistic boy from his home in Marion and transporting him across state lines.
On July 10, the Marion Police Department responded to a report concerning the disappearance of an 11-year old autistic child.
The police immediately called upon a range of partners to aid in the search effort. Thanks to the collaboration of these agencies, Gavin was found safe in Indiana.
Following the juvenile’s disappearance, his mother alerted Marion Police early that morning. Investigators, aided by the child’s brother, swiftly uncovered that Deem had been communicating with the boy via the gaming platform and had traveled from Indiana to Marion to carry out the abduction.
Thanks to effective collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies, Deem was quickly identified and his residence in Indiana located. Officers successfully recovered the child later that same day, reuniting him with his family.
They encouraged the prosecutor’s office to share his name and image, aiming to raise awareness about the potential dangers of online gaming, particularly the risks posed by unknown adults.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence illustrating how Deem exploited online gaming to target the young boy and subsequently removed him from his home.
Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan commended the collaborative efforts of the various agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution. “This was a frightening case that could have ended much worse,” Grogan stated. “The swift action of investigators and their ability to coordinate across state lines ensured the safe return of the child.
The successful outcome of this case was attributed to the strong teamwork led by Lt. Dylan Reese of the Marion Police Department, alongside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Fountain County Sheriff’s Department in Indiana, the FBI, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, as well as Assistant Prosecutors John Scott and Heath Findley.
Deem remains in custody as he awaits sentencing, which is set to take place before Judge Matthew P. Frericks.
Given the severity of the offense and the vulnerability of the victim, The State plans to seek a lengthy prison sentence.
Marion County Now will continue to provide sentencing updates.