UPDATE (09-19-19): Chief Judge Raul Zambrano of the Seventh Judicial Circuit responded to Sheriff Chitwood's letter regarding Fugler. You can read more by clicking here.
Earlier reporting below.
Daytona Beach, FL - The State Attorney's Office, along with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, does not want a man who was convicted by a jury of his peers of three counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition, three counts of lewd and lascivious conduct, and three counts of showing obscene material to a minor, to be out of jail. Mark Fugler walked out of the Volusia County Jail on Tuesday (September 17) of this week on a $200,000 bond. Senior Judge R. Michael Hutcheson allowed that bond during the appeals process.
The State Attorney's Office has filed a motion to reconsider the order granting a motion for release on the supersedeas bond of Fugler. Fugler's attorneys filed the motion for his release on September 12. The state argued that Fugler does not have significant ties to the community and is a flight risk. After hearing from the State and the defense, Judge Hutcheson granted the motion.
In a press release, State Attorney R.J. Larizza had this to say:
“There has been significant and legitimate concern over the Court’s granting a supersedeas bond regarding defendant Fugler. The State Attorney’s Office shares the public’s concern. Let there be no mistake or misunderstanding that the State Attorney’s Office has been working in
opposition to the release from the beginning. We have filed a motion for reconsideration of the release with the Court and the motion reflects our legal position in opposition to said release. Our ultimate mission is to enhance and promote public safety. We will use every legal means
at our disposal to oppose the release – and our efforts reflect our commitment to the safety of all of our families, neighbors, and residents of the 7th Judicial Circuit.”
Sheriff Mike Chitwood, also strongly against Fugler's release, reminds Volusia County residents in a Facebook post, *If you believe the judge's decision in this case was wrong, I urge you to put your thoughts in a respectful email and send it to Chief Judge Raul Zambrano's assistant at tsmith@circuit7.org and State Attorney R.J. Larizza at larizzar@sao7.org
