Tosa East athletes charged in armed robbery case

Wauwatosa East High School athletes Larry Bradley and Barett Powell and Milwaukee Vincent High School athlete Dezmond Gosa were each charged in Milwaukee County Children's Court this afternoon with two counts of attempted armed robbery and one count of false imprisonment.

Under state statute, the felony charges fall into the category of Serious Juvenile Offenses, disqualifying them from some of protections of typical juvenile cases and leaving them open to more serious penalties.

NOW is naming the teens because of the serious nature of the offense and potential penalties.

The charges came after the three 16-year-old boys were arrested for invading the home of an alleged drug dealer and his mother in the 6100 block of Martin Road on May 1.

According to Wauwatosa police reports:

Bradley asked Powell to bring his BB gun and ski mask and act as a lookout while Bradley and Gosa went to get money from a former East student who allegedly deals drugs. They threatened the residents with the gun, which looked real. When the son said he did not have any money, the mother offered to drive to the bank for cash. Gosa and Bradley went with her, and Powell stayed behind. When the mother entered the business, she called police.

Bradley and Gosa, who had run when they heard sirens, were arrested at the UPS Store in the Village. Powell hid in the alleged drug dealer's basement until police surrounded the house.

Powell, a wide receiver, was named co-offensive football player of the year in the Greater Metro Conference and set a school record with 52 receptions. He also played basketball and was expected to start next season at forward.

Bradley, who received statewide acclaim for his basketball talent, played guard for the Red Raiders. His time playing for Wauwatosa East was marked by controversy for whether he was eligible to play after he moved in with his uncle and for tardiness for games and poor sportsmanship. He quit while the team was in the state tournament.

The boys are being held at the Children's Court Center in Wauwatosa.

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