A Delaware man, Jason Fuller, 44, has been handed down a sentence of 17.5 years after pleading guilty to seven counts of child endangerment on Tuesday, according to ABC6. The charges stem from a grievous span of 18 years, during which Fuller perpetrated physical, emotional, and psychological abuse against his children.
In a detailed accounting of the abuse, reports obtained by WBNS state that Fuller used belts to cause bruises, enforced extreme physical exercise that once led to a child's loss of consciousness, and resorted to cruel disciplinary methods such as locking the children in a shed and feeding them dog food. Melissa Schiffel, Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney, remarked on the severity of the punishment, saying, "Jason Fuller’s sentence is almost one year in prison for every year he terrorized his family."
While Jason Fuller begins his lengthy prison term, his wife, Kristelle Fuller, has been sentenced to community control. As reported by ABC6, she faced charges of permitting child abuse and obstruction of justice, the latter for instructing her children to lie about the abuse to protect her husband. This role in the ordeal subjected her to a two-year community control program as determined by the court.
The Delaware County Prosecutor's Office of Melissa A. Schiffel took to Facebook to applaud the investigative and prosecutorial team's dedication to the case. Schiffel credited Delaware Police Detective Brett Simon and Special Victims Prosecutor Sayje Brown, alongside legal intern Kyland Deas, for their work to protect the children and community. The post also served as a reminder, urging those who suspect child abuse to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline or their local Department of Job and Family Services.
