Child molester sentenced to six years

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 3:00

Emotions ran high in a Nevada County courtroom as the victim of a child molester who is also the mother of his other two victims - spoke at his sentencing Thursday. "We had agreed that we want whatever is best, but being in here today and having to relive (what he did), I don't think I can go with what I wrote," Fullmer's daughter said, pausing frequently to wipe her tears away. "I've gotten to the point where I can honestly say I forgive him. But I have no desire for reconciliation, now or in the future." Martin Zane Fullmer (Chip Fullmer), 63, of Nevada City, had pleaded no contest to one count of lewd and lascivious acts on a child younger than 14, a serious and violent felony. The other two victims (one of his granddaughters and his daughter) were not charged in the case because of jurisdictional and time element issues.

Martin "Chip" Fullmer

Submitted photo

"I want him to get help," said the woman, who is not being named by The Union. "But I don't know if he is ready, if he will take the steps he needs ... and that concerns me."

Chip Fullmer allegedly molested his daughter 28 years ago, when she was 9 or 10, said Nevada County Deputy District Attorney Katy Francis. He recently molested his granddaughters, ages 7 and 10 at the time. Francis noted the psychological evaluations did not categorize Fullmer as a pedophile, but added, "We must be careful to understand that a clinical psychologist has an entirely different agenda than the criminal justice system ... The criminal justice system aims to achieve justice for society and victims - and punishment is a significant part of that system." She asked Superior Court Judge Candace Heidelberger to impose a six-year prison sentence. "Mr. Fullmer stole the innocence from three tiny girls," Francis said. "He's a danger to young children." Fullmer's public defender, Jody Schutz, argued that his uncharged conduct should not be used while considering his sentence, and said he felt remorse for his actions to the point of having attempted to commit suicide. "He is in anguish over the things he has done," she said. Heidelberger agreed that Fullmer has a history of depressive behavior, but noted the evaluations showed a lack of empathy for his victims. She denied his request for probation and instead sentenced him to six years. He must also register as a sex offender. "I'm just glad there was some closure," Fullmer's daughter said after the sentencing. "And (I'm glad) for my girls, that they understand that there are consequences, and that they're safe -and that they did the right thing." To contact Staff Writer Liz Kellar, e-mail lkellar@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4229. February, 9 2012 5:46 pm MST