Mr. Mark Fugler was first arrested on 11/06/2016 for a multitude of criminal charges for crimes committed against a minor child, under the age of 16 (7 years old to be specific), ranging from Lewd and Lascivious Conduct, Showing Obscene Material, and Child Abuse, in the County of Volusia, State of Florida. Mr. Fugler was released on a $200,000 bond, and granted his right to a jury trial of his peers in June 2019. 

It was the overwhelming decision of the jury, that the Defendant, Mark Fugler, was guilty of multiple crimes, punishable by incarceration. Mark Fugler was booked back into the Volusia County Jail on 06/06/2019, after sentencing by The Honorable Michael Hutcheson. While the defendant, Mark Fugler was initially facing up to 105 years for his crimes committed against a minor child, The Honorable Michael Hutcheson chose to only deliver 15 years! This is a judicial travesty, considering the charges and the permanent psychological damages FORCED upon this innocent child. This child will be FORCED to live with the despicable memories, by actions FORCED upon her by the defendant, Mark Fugler. 

Fast forward just a couple of months, as The Honorable Michael Hutcheson has now decided that the defendant, Mark Fugler, be granted release while awaiting appeal of his conviction on the original bond amount of $200,000. The defendant allegedly free to co-exist in society, AFTER being charged, tried, convicted and sentenced for his heinous crimes against an innocent minor child. 

Since when does a convicted felon be afforded the luxury of home, family, and freedom to walk outside of jail/prison walls while awaiting appeal?

Where is the justice for this innocent child, who will once again, undoubtably, live in fear upon Mr. Fugler’s release? Where is the justice for her family? Where is the justice for the Law Enforcement Officers who worked tirelessly to prove the state’s case? Where is the justice for the prosecution, that proved this case BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT to the jury?   Where is the justice for the jury that performed their civic duty, and ultimately adhering to Judge Hutcheson’s instruction? Where is the justice for ALL children that have been a victim of similar acts/crimes against them? 

But, most importantly, WHY is this already convicted felon who hasn’t served his sentence, being allowed to “serve time” in the comfort of his beautiful home surrounded by family and friends, while this innocent young girl must live her life in fear?

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that Mr. Fugler’s freedom NOT be restored while awaiting appeal, that could take years in the court system, and keep him in jail/prison like all others convicted of felony crimes awaiting appeal. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Signed,

We The People, voices for the minor child