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Last updated on Tuesday, October 10, 2017
(LINTON) - Two Linton men pleaded guilty to the battery of a man and the theft of his dog on Thursday afternoon.
19-year-old Devin Tatlock and 20-year-old Elijah Gwyn both pleaded guilty to battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a Level 6 felony, and theft as a Level 6 felony.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Keven McIntosh, told the Greene County Daily World, the plea deal was made available due to difficulties in finding reliable, unbiased witnesses for robbery because all the witnesses were using or had used drugs during or prior to the offense.
Both men received sentences of two years probation, with time already served at the Greene County Jail credited. Tatlock has currently served 106 days and Gwyn has served 99 days. According to a plea deal, if a violation in probation occurs, a sentence of four years in the Indiana Department of Corrections will be enforced.
In the initial probable cause filed by Linton Police Department Sgt. Logan Hobbs, both Tatlock and Gwyn were reportedly affiliated with the local criminal organization, the "Brown Squad," following a confidential informant's testimony.
According to Linton Police Sgt. Logan Hobbs, the Brown Squad - is a criminal organization that includes adult and juvenile members that engage in various criminal activities.
The male victim told police that four people approached him while he was outdoors in the area of Glenburn Road and West End Avenue. The victim had been arguing with his wife before the others approached him.
The victim had his puppy with him and the individuals demanded they give him the dog. The man refused and then picked up a rock and threatened to hit one of them if they came any closer. That is one of the gang allegedly pulled a switchblade type knife and threatened to stab the victim. The victim then fled to a nearby home to ask for help but was struck in the head before he got to the home.
The victim was repeatedly beaten by the four individuals and when they had stopped hitting him, the victim realized he had been stabbed. He was then kicked in the head and lost consciousness.
Tatlock and Gwyn then allegedly took the man's puppy.
Police then spoke to individuals identified by the informant who told police they confronted the victim because he had threatened to hurt the puppy.
Police found the dog at Tatlock's house and it was returned to the victim.
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