Docs: Indiana convicted murderer faces new drug, gun charges after drunkenly calling police to a ‘break-in’

RIDGEVILLE, Ind. — A paroled Delaware County man previously convicted in a drug-related murder faces new meth and gun charges after he drunkenly called 911 to report a “break-in.”

Robert Brumett Jr., 54, was arrested last weekend and charged with meth possession, criminal recklessness and illegal gun possession after he asked police to investigate what he called a break-in. Brumett was previously convicted in a 1999 Jay County murder.

Randolph County Sheriff’s Office crews were called around 6 a.m. Saturday to a home in the 1700 block of W. 900 N. in Ridgeville for a welfare check. The caller, later identified as Brumett, said he was “being held hostage by a bunch of men.”

Deputies arrived and Brumett explained that he had been living with his friend for the last month. Brumett, who told police he had been drinking whiskey and was “feeling tipsy,” said that a “gang of men” broke in while he was sleeping and stole his shoes and clothes.

Court documents show that deputies noticed a large gash on top of Brumett’s head that he claimed he “did not notice” and refused treatment for. He said he was unaware of how it happened.

Police noted that the back door of the home had been shattered and Brumett claimed the intruders had broken it around midnight before coming back to the house with more men and trucks. However, deputies noted his “story was getting confusing” and asked for clarification.

Brumett continued to describe a break-in where “at least 20 people” who were “a lot younger” watched him through the windows before breaking in and stealing seven pairs of Jordans and all his clothes from his bedroom. He said the people stayed from midnight until police arrived.

However, deputies said they did not see anyone near the area when they arrived at 6 a.m. and that there were no tire tracks near where Brumett said the trucks pulled up.

Furthermore, they noticed bullet holes near the back door and 9mm ammo strewn about the kitchen. Brumett had never mentioned gunfire.

Responding deputies knew Brumett was not allowed to own a gun due to previous convictions and began searching the house for a weapon. While looking in Brumett’s bedroom, they noticed no signs of struggle. His bed was reportedly made and all his shoes and clothes were there.

Eventually, a 9mm Taurus Armas G3C handgun was found hidden under some blankets on the couch. When pressed by deputies, Brumett reportedly admitted that it was a gun he had gotten from “a dude” and that he had shot at the alleged “intruders.”

Police began searching the entire residence after getting permission from the homeowner and found a plate in the kitchen with white powder on it that tested positive for meth. While searching Brumett’s belongings, they found a clear plastic bag with 294 grams of crystal meth.

Brumett’s parole officer was called to the scene to confirm that he was in violation of his terms. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Randolph County Jail on the following charges:

• Possession of Meth (over 10 grams) – Level 3 Felony
• Criminal Recklessness – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon – Level 4 Felony
  • Note: Brumett was previously convicted in 1999 for a murder in Jay County. He was also found guilty of cocaine dealing.

An initial hearing in Brumett’s case was held on Monday, June 3. A jury trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2024.

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