DELAWARE, Ohio — A Delaware father was arraigned in Delaware County Court Thursday on charges related to the abuse of his seven children.
Jason Fuller is facing eight felony charges of child endangerment and one felony charge of intimidation.
Prosecutors said he used excessive and arbitrary punishment on the children over the course of nine years, including using belts on them, causing bruises, restraint, limiting contact with family members, locking them in a shed, feeding them dog food and forcing them to exercise to the point it caused one of the children to lose consciousness.
“This defendant used punishment and manipulation to ensure compliance and obedience of all persons in the household,” said Sayje Brown of the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.
Brown said Jason had taken steps to “influence cases and investigations.”
His wife Kristelle Fuller was arraigned on Wednesday and is charged with permitting child abuse and intimidation.
Prosecutors said both parents instructed their children to lie about the abuse to authorities to protect Jason.
Jason is a licensed attorney and has served in the military, according to his attorney.
The bond for Jason was set at $200,000. He was ordered not to have any contact with the victims, witnesses or Kristelle, the co-defendant.
Both Jason and Kristelle are scheduled to be tried together on June 11.
Neighbors said they were shocked to hear of the charges.
They believe the Fuller's children were homeschooled.
Homeschooling can complicate how long it takes for abuse to be reported, according to Samantha Field with the non-profit Coalition for Responsible Home Education.
“The biggest difference between a traditionally schooled child and a homeschooled child is a traditionally schooled child is coming into contact with mandatory reporters, regularly which is the basic assumption behind all of Ohio’s child welfare laws,” Field said.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, “Ohio law requires the family to notify the superintendent of the school district where they reside about their intent to home educate their child/or children.”
Beyond that, there are no requirements or processes in place for the state or local family services departments to check in on homeschooled children.
“There is nothing in place to protect homeschool students from abuse or educational neglect,” Field said.
Delaware County Job and Family Services could not comment on the Fullers’ case but said most of their reports of child abuse come from neighbors, family members or victims themselves as opposed to mandatory reporters.
To report child abuse, call local law enforcement or family services or call 1-855-OH-CHILD (855-642-4453).