A man has received a sentence of one year probation following a plea deal related to an incident of inappropriate conduct in Gary. The individual, Zedric Benford, aged 48, admitted guilt to a charge of misdemeanor battery.
The incident occurred early on the morning of September 18, 2023, when officers from the Gary Police Department were dispatched to the 1500 block of Bigger Street. The victim reported that she had been asleep on her sofa when she was abruptly awakened by someone touching her left breast. Upon waking, she saw Benford standing over her. In response, she began shouting at him, which led him to retreat to the kitchen, where he continued to watch her. The woman then contacted emergency services for assistance.
Following the arrival of the police, Benford expressed to officers that he was unaware of his actions and had not intended to cause any harm. He was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody at the Gary Police Station.
