Mears man, 78, sentenced to prison for probation violation.

Michael Fuller

Mears man, 78, sentenced to prison for probation violation.

He was arrested for drunk driving four times in 2020.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor

HART — A 78-year-old Mears man was sentenced to two to five years in prison for probation violation in 27th Circuit Court Monday, April 26.

Michael Henry Fuller, of 2509 N. 56th Ave., was found guilty, Jan. 4, of five probation violations following a recent arrest for his sixth drunk driving.

“I’ve been driving since 1956 and never had an accident and never hurt a person,” Fuller said to Judge Bradley G. Lambrix Monday. 

He was arrested by Oceana County sheriff’s deputies the afternoon of Dec. 20, on North 56th Avenue for his sixth drunk driving and charges of subsequent-offense driving while license suspended (DWLS) and open intoxicants. 

“He has five priors — four in calendar year 2020,” said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

Judge Lambrix found Fuller guilty of five probation violations including operating without a license, operating while intoxicated, consuming/possessing alcohol, consuming alcohol while on SCRAM (Secured Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring), and interfering/tampering with a SCRAM tether.

Fuller argued Monday that the violations were not true.

“Mr. Fuller presents a clear and present danger to the community,” said Prosecutor Bizon. “He does not take any responsibility for what he did.” He presents a “lack of accountability” and refuses to get treatment.

Fuller’s attorney Ryan Good said his client suffers from medical problems. “He’s somewhat frail medically, and I would ask the court to take that into consideration.”

Judge Lambrix did not mince his words when he addressed Fuller. “You’re back in front of this court for another alcohol-related offense. I’m fearful and concerned for the community and concerned for you. With this many drinking and driving incidents, I’m glad you haven’t killed anybody or yourself. My concern is that you may very well do that. Mr. Fuller, you’ve demonstrated you’re not able to control your drinking and driving. You’ve demonstrated that over and over.”

Judge Lambrix gave him credit for 210 days served in jail. He revoked Fuller’s probation.

A pretrial for the underlying charge of third-offense OWI will be scheduled in 30 days. 

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