Fussell asks for five years, sentencing continued

By Linda Cicoira

Lucas Allen Fussell, the former Eastern Shore Rural Health nurse practitioner who pleaded guilty to two charges of distributing child pornography in late 2024, filed papers in U.S. District Court this month asking a judge to sentence him to no more than five years in prison for the offenses.

Through his attorney, the 43-year-old Onley man requested an equal amount of supervised probation. The document cited his remorse, the neglect, poverty, and abuse he suffered as a child, his dedication to serving the community, and the respect and admiration he receives from his colleagues, patients, and neighbors as reasons for the length of his term.

The mandatory minimum sentence for each offense of sharing the images and video files that depicted prepubescent boys being sexually abused by adult men is five years in prison. The maximum term for each crime is 20 years and a fine of no more than $250,000.

A doctor’s assessment report stated Fussell “presents a low risk” for reoffending, the loss of his profession, being required to be listed on the sex offender registry, and the prison term “reflect the serious nature of the offense and provide ample punishment and deterrence.”

Sentencing was continued. Judge Rudolph Contreras scheduled a status conference for June.

Since being incarcerated, Fussell has completed courses in Healing from Child Sexual Abuse; Buddhism; Black History; Black History 2; Black History 3; Mexican Cooking; Southern Cooking; and Cooking Equipment, including Fryers, Grills, Griddles, Ranges, Ovens, Refrigeration, and Culinary Knives.

“Fussell accepted responsibility by pleading guilty to both counts of the indictment,” the defense stated. He “first encountered child pornography during the pandemic when he, like millions around the world, was spending increased time online. He had just divorced his husband and was living alone. Going to work was extremely stressful; he treated scores of COVID patients in the early days of the pandemic before there was a vaccine, and much was unknown about the virus. A few patients died in his care.”

“Due to restrictions on social contacts,” she continued, “He was not able to see his friends outside of work. During this intense and lonely time, his online communications—sexual and otherwise—served as a release. While Mr. Fussell was initially shocked the first time someone sent him child abuse images, he continued to view the content out of a “morbid curiosity.'”

     “There is no evidence that Mr. Fussell ever attempted to solicit a minor online or in person. Importantly, he knows that consuming this content is wrong, and he knew that at the time,” the lawyer continued. “Fussell also acknowledged that he engaged in “fantasy” talk about fabricated patients … to interest the person he was messaging. He was not referencing actual patients, and there is no evidence that he ever engaged in inappropriate behavior with any patient. To the contrary, his employment records show that he had an impeccable employment record, consistently received positive reviews from supervisors and patients alike, and had been promoted to Clinical Director of the community health center site where he worked.”