Trista Fullerton, a 36-year-old mother of eight children, has been arrested in Anderson, California, after allegedly abducting her children from their foster care facilities in Rogers, Arkansas. Fullerton is accused of violating a court order of custody for the children and the terms of her probation for a domestic violence conviction. According to court records, she fled across five states while Arkansas police attempted to locate her.
Fullerton’s father informed the police that she intended to start a new life in Arizona. However, she was apprehended in Anderson, California, approximately 150 miles north of Sacramento. Police spotted her and six of her children in a pickup truck filled with trash after receiving reports of her displaying bizarre behavior.
The Rogers Police Department initiated contact with Fullerton on October 17, following a report of her interference with court-ordered custody. Additional details regarding the case, including the identity of the initial reporter, have not been disclosed as the investigation is ongoing.
Fullerton’s father, David Fullerton, stated that his daughter made a mistake and believes she is innocent. Court records reveal that Trista Fullerton was on probation at the time of her arrest and had previously been involved in two instances of domestic violence. She pleaded guilty to both incidents and was sentenced to two years of probation.
Prosecutors have requested the rescission of Fullerton’s probation, and a $50,000 warrant has been issued for her arrest. The case is currently under review, and it remains unclear if any new charges will be filed.
Fullerton is currently held without bail at Shasta County Jail and is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
