Petro v. Gaff
Case Background
Christine Petro and her husband Robert Petro filed an invasion of privacy lawsuit against their neighbor Bradley Gaff. Gaff had committed voyeurism, trespass, and battery when he climbed a ladder to peer into Christine’s window and take nude photos. The lawsuit was filed in the Indiana Superior Court, Porter County. Judge Jeffrey W. Clymer presided over this case. [Case number: 64D02-1707-CT-6456]Cause
In 2016, Christine Petro, an elementary school teacher, lived with her husband, Robert, and their children in Chesterton. Their neighbor, Bradley Gaff, resided diagonally behind their home, about seventy feet away.
On the evening of March 8, Christine graded papers on her enclosed back porch. Around 9:00 p.m., she went inside and headed upstairs to prepare for bed. Unbeknownst to her, Gaff, dressed in black, approached the house under the cover of darkness. He leaned an aluminum ladder against the house, climbed onto the roof over the porch, and attempted to spy on Christine through her upstairs window.
Although the blinds were drawn, Gaff angled his smartphone to photograph Christine undressing. While he carried out this act, Robert stepped onto the porch below. Realizing Robert was nearby, Gaff panicked, climbed down, and tried to flee through neighboring yards with the ladder.
Robert quickly grasped the situation and chased Gaff, eventually catching him in a nearby park. During a brief struggle, Gaff confessed, promised to delete the photos, and begged Robert not to involve the police. Despite Gaff’s pleas, the police arrived, questioned him, and arrested him on charges of voyeurism, trespass, and battery. Gaff spent two days in jail before being released on bail.
After his release, Gaff allegedly harassed Robert and Christine, prompting them to obtain a protective order. In April 2017, Gaff entered a plea agreement. He received a suspended 18-month jail sentence, minus the two days served, and a fine, which was also suspended. He completed 20 days of community service and remained on probation for the remainder of his sentence.
Damages
After resolving the criminal case, Christine and Robert filed a lawsuit against Gaff for invading their privacy. They aimed to secure both compensatory and punitive damages if the court ruled in their favor.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
- Plaintiff(s): Christine Petro | Robert Petro
- Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Robert A. Welsh
- Defendant(s): Bradley Gaff
- Counsel for Defendant(s): Andrew P. Martin
Claims
Christine and Robert claimed the incident left them feeling embarrassed, humiliated, and violated. The experience was so unsettling that they sought therapy to cope. They also increased security measures at their home to feel safer.