Article’s allegations raise questions; will not be considered in Fuller case

In addition to the four felony charges against Willie B. Fuller, a Style Weekly article, printed Feb. 18, reported that the suspended VCU police chief had complaints issued against him that raised concern and led to a review within the department. The incident occurred in 2005, and complaints were based on findings said to be “sexually explicit in nature.” No charges were filed.

According to the anonymous sources quoted in the Feb. 18 Style Weekly article, there was correspondence between Fuller and a 17-year-old female. Fuller remained on staff as VCU’s police chief. The severity of the allegations is unclear.

Although these allegations, said to have occurred four years prior, might appear to establish a trend in Fuller’s behavior, only the evidence from the Chesterfield County Police investigation will be taken into account in the pending case.

Many Chesterfield County officials refused to comment.

According to Pamela D. Lepley, director of communications and public relations at VCU, the 2005 incident cannot be re?examined by VCU officials because the occurrences from recent years are considered to be personnel issue and therefore confidential and not for public access.

Lepley said VCU officials do not have access to investigate the concerns about Fuller from recent years.

“We weren’t told where the rumors were started,” Lepley said. “Style Weekly told us they were personnel complaints and personnel complaints are confidential.”

Personnel files deal with policies and regulations during employment and remain under strict legal confidence, until the employee breaks a law.

The Chesterfield County Police Department is investigating several computers confiscated during Fuller’s arrest. The conversations between Fuller and the undercover
Chesterfield County Police detective, Keith Vincent, along with any incriminating content discovered, will be used as evidence in Fuller’s trial.

Chesterfield County Prosecutor David Rigler solely is concerned with the four charges of soliciting sex from a minor.

“Chesterfield has nothing to do with Richmond,” Rigler said. “The status of the case is the same and we won’t take old complaints into account.”

Chesterfield Police officials cannot look into the claims reported in Style Weekly because they are out of their jurisdiction.

Sergeant Edward M. Wessel said the investigation is complete and there will be no further inquiries of past allegations against Fuller. The preliminary hearing for Fuller is set for April 2.