Indiana Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping Autistic 11-Year-Old Boy in Marion

An Indiana man has been convicted of kidnapping an 11-year-old autistic boy from his home in Marion and taking him across state lines.

A jury found Bradford Deem guilty of kidnapping this week in Marion County Common Pleas Court.

According to a release from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, on July 10, 2025, Deem used a video game console to contact the child and convinced him to leave his home.

The child’s mother discovered he was missing early that morning and immediately called Marion Police. Investigators, with assistance from the child’s brother, quickly determined that Deem had been communicating with the boy through the gaming system and had traveled from Indiana to Marion to take him.

Through rapid coordination between multiple agencies, investigators identified Deem and located his home in Indiana. Officers safely recovered the child from the home later that same day. The boy has since been reunited with his family.

The child’s name is Gavin Ostrander – his parents encouraged the prosecutor’s office to identify and share a photo of the boy, because his family is proud of his bravery and perseverance in a difficult and frightening situation. They hope that, by stepping out of the cloak of anonymity, more people will see the reality of the dangers on online gaming that involves children talking with unknown adults on the internet.

On Wednesday, a Marion County jury found Deem guilty of kidnapping. The verdict followed a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence of how Deem used online gaming to target the child and then removed him from his home.

Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan praised the work of the agencies involved in both the investigation and the successful prosecution. “This was a frightening case that could have ended much worse,” Grogan said. “The quick thinking of investigators and their ability to work across state lines allowed us to bring this child home safely. The jury’s verdict holds Deem accountable for his actions.”

Grogan noted that the investigation required extensive cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies. Detectives worked quickly to trace digital communications, review camera footage, and coordinate with out-of-state law enforcement to locate and recover the child.

“This verdict sends a clear message that we will aggressively pursue those who target children, whether through technology or by physical abduction,” Grogan said. “Parents should remain vigilant about who their children interact with online, especially through gaming platforms.”

The successful outcome of this case resulted from strong teamwork led by Lt. Dylan Reese of the Marion Police Department, 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, and Assistant Prosecutors John Scott and Heath Findley. Grogan thanked all of the agencies for their professionalism and dedication throughout the investigation and trial.

Deem remains in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled before Judge Matthew P. Frericks. Grogan’s office will seek a lengthy prison sentence given the seriousness of the offense and the vulnerability of the victim.

Grogan encouraged anyone who suspects a child is in danger or being contacted inappropriately online to contact law enforcement immediately. He also reminded parents to monitor their children’s gaming activity and online interactions.

The verdict brings closure to the child’s family while reinforcing the community’s commitment to protecting children from predators who use technology to commit crimes.