Ex-VCU police chief’s trial delayed

The sexual-solicitation trial for former Virginia Commonwealth University Police Chief Willie Fuller was postponed yesterday, with authorities setting a September hearing to assess his ongoing medical difficulties.

Chesterfield Circuit Judge Michael C. Allen granted a defense motion to continue Fuller's trial, scheduled for yesterday, because of the ex-chief's hospitalization for a diabetes-related health problem. Defense attorney Arnold Henderson told the court that Fuller has been in the hospital since June 8.

Chesterfield Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney David Rigler agreed to the continuance, and the judge scheduled a Sept. 9 hearing to assess Fuller's physical ability to stand trial.

Earlier this week, Henderson said Fuller's condition remains very serious a month after he suffered a "diabetic episode" that initially left him in a coma and unable to speak. Although his condition has improved and he is now able to communicate, Fuller remains physically debilitated, the attorney said.

Fuller has a history of health problems related to diabetes, Henderson added.

Fuller, 50, was arrested Jan. 28 after police said he used a computer at his Henrico County home to sexually solicit a Chesterfield detective posing as a 14-year-old girl in an online chat room.

He was indicted in May on charges of attempting to take indecent liberties with a minor and using a computer to solicit sex from a juvenile.

Contact Mark Bowes at (804) 649-6450 or .