Jail escapee sentenced as habitual criminal

PEORIA -- Calling the man a "habitual criminal," a Peoria judge has sentenced a one-time jail escapee to spend the rest of his life in prison.

James Fuller was being held in the Peoria County Jail on charges of home invasion and criminal sexual assault when he escaped in November, along with another inmate, Aaron Cook. Cook was recaptured later the same day, and Fuller the next day.

Fuller was found guilty last month of the charges filed against him. During his trial, Fuller called prosecutors and the judge devils.

Peoria County Circuit Judge Michael Brandt on Tuesday ruled the 44-year-old Fuller was a "habitual criminal" under state law and therefore was subject to a mandatory life sentence.

According to prosecutors, Fuller's criminal history includes a 1981 rape conviction from Kansas and two armed robbery convictions.