John Fuller, 38, was sentenced to 511 years in prison Friday for the January, 2005, kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman who was forced into a van and then sexually assaulted by the Fuller and an accomplice.
The co-defendant, Melvin Williams, 51, received a sentence of 35 years to life.
The sentences were handed down by Denver District Judge Robert McGahey.
Prosecutor Vernacq Carpenter argued for the the maximum sentence for Fuller due to the randomness and brutality of the assault.
On Jan. 6, 2006, the 26-year-old woman was walking home from working a night-shift when she was abducted and assaulted in the van over a four-hour period.
In imposing the sentence, McGahey said this was the first criminal case he had seen in which the horrific nature of the crime brought jurors to tears.
After the sentencing the victim said she was “really happy and satisfied” with the sentences. “It shouldn’t happen to anyone else.”
Her father, standing next to her, said that the sentencing lifted a large burden from his shoulders. He praised his daughter for testifying. He said by fighting back and being strong she wouldn’t let the rapists take something that wasn’t theirs.
