Executive Summary
- Sarah Fuson was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated child abuse and child abuse.
- The conviction stems from incidents at Tylertown Learning Center in January 2023 involving a 13-month-old child.
- Evidence presented included surveillance video and medical testimony indicating a possible skull fracture.
- Judge David Wolfe noted the defendant’s lack of remorse prior to sentencing.
DICKSON, Tenn. — Sarah Fuson, the daughter of Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday following her conviction on charges of aggravated child abuse and child abuse. Judge David Wolfe of the Dickson County Court handed down the sentence in connection with the abuse of a 13-month-old child who was under Fuson’s care at a daycare facility.
The charges originated from incidents that occurred while Fuson was employed at the Tylertown Learning Center in January 2023. Prosecutors centered their case on two surveillance videos that reportedly showed Fuson repeatedly slamming the toddler onto a cot. During an October court hearing, medical professionals testified that the child suffered bruises on the arms, and a CT scan indicated injuries suggesting a potential skull fracture or concussion.
When presented with the video footage in court, Fuson acknowledged that the interaction appeared aggressive but testified that she did not intend to be rough with the child. However, Judge Wolfe remarked on Thursday that Fuson did not display remorse or take accountability for her actions until she delivered her statement during the sentencing phase.
Judicial Outcome and Legal Context
The imposition of a two-decade sentence underscores the severity with which the Tennessee judicial system treats aggravated crimes against minors, particularly those involving physical trauma and custodial abuse. The court’s decision in Dickson County finalizes the trial phase of this high-profile case involving the family member of a local law enforcement official. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and convicted defendants generally retain the right to appeal the court’s decision.
