Hillsboro man sentenced to 45 years to life in rape case

A Hillsboro man was sentenced Tuesday to 45 years to life in prison, after pleading guilty to three first-degree felony rape charges.

As previously reported, Brandon C. Fuller, 31, was indicted by a Highland County grand jury on five counts of rape, all first-degree felonies, in August.

The indictment alleged that Fuller “did engage in sexual conduct” with a minor victim during an approximate one-year period.

All five counts in the indictment were under ORC 2907.02(A)(1)(b), which specifies that the victim was “less than 13 years of age” at the time the offenses occurred.

Fuller, who was represented by attorney JD Wagoner, pleaded guilty Tuesday to three of the five counts — counts one, two and three — with the other two charges dismissed. Highland County Assistant Prosecutor Adam King explained to Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss that the counts did not merge, due to involving separate offenses.

After accepting Fuller’s guilty pleas, Coss said there was “no point in delaying the matter of sentencing because I only have two options, either life without parole or 15 to life,” in this case.

King asked the judge to follow the joint recommendation of the parties to 15 to life on each count, which was also approved by a parent of the victim, he said.

Wagoner agreed, calling it a “very tough case.” The defense attorney added that he didn’t “know that I’ve ever asked the court to go along with a 45 to life sentence,” but he did so Tuesday.

Fuller also addressed the judge briefly, saying that he wanted to “apologize, and that I hope to get the help I need.”

“Well, Mr. Fuller, as I’ve said to other people, next to murder, the sexual abuse or rape of a child — particularly a child under the age of 10 — is probably the worst crime that can be committed,” Coss said in response. “In some cases, it’s worse than murder, because the victims live with this trauma all their lives.

“To your credit, you did take responsibility and did not require that child to go through a trial. The court will also note that 45 years is a long time, and it will be that period of time before you’re eligible for a consideration for parole. By that time, hopefully you will no longer be a danger to juveniles.”

Coss sentenced Fuller to a minimum mandatory term of 15 years to life on each count, to be served consecutively, for a total minimum of 45 years to life. Fuller had 111 days of jail time credit.

In addition, Fuller will be classified as a tier III sex offender, requiring registration every 90 days for life.

Following Tuesday’s sentencing, Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins thanked officers from the Highland County Sheriff’s Office for their role in investigating the case.

“Sergeant Detective Vinny Antinore and Sergeant Craig Seaman did an excellent job handling this case and helped get a dangerous repeat offender away from the public,” Collins told The Highland County Press.