Religious Teens Guilty In Robbery Spree Judge Confused About How Baptist-Raised Boys Could Embark On Three-State String Of Holdups

Two teenagers from deeply religious families will spend time behind bars in connection with a three-state spree of armed robberies.

Cameron Fulton, 19, of Colburn, will spend 30 months in prison for robberies in North Idaho committed with his brother, Austin, and lifetime friend Josh Jones.

Jones, 19, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, but already has served 31 days.

Austin Fulton, 21, remains in jail in Missoula, according to family friends. He is accused of robberies in Montana and Colorado.

Police believe the Fulton brothers started their Idaho spree in Sandpoint at Domino’s Pizza on Dec. 16.

Kootenai County robberies included Sunset Bowling Center, two Tidyman’s groceries and K mart.

The robberies were similar: A bandit would pretend to buy a small item, then demand money while showing a gun tucked in his waistband. In three instances, the robber apologized or thanked clerks.

The crimes and Monday’s sentencing left family members and the judge confused about how two independent Baptist-reared boys who’d never been in trouble ended up robbing stores with a gun.

While noting the boys took hundreds of dollars, Judge Gary Haman said it appeared they were “thrill-seeking.” Neither drugs nor alcohol appeared to be a significant factor.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone before me who comes from such a background of strong religion and has family members who just can’t believe you did it,” Haman told Cameron Fulton Monday. “This is an unusual case for me.”

But the judge said the court needed to make him an example, even though Fulton wasn’t planning to hurt anyone.

The judge also said there was a “world of difference” between Fulton’s crimes and Jones’.

The brothers apparently used Jones’ gun in the robberies. But Jones’ attorney, Tim Gresback, said they took it without his knowledge.

All three were roommates.

“Josh is home-schooled in kind of a small town and this was his first time living alone. It’s a big world out there,” Gresback said. “The first time they went in, he (Jones) didn’t even know they were doing a robbery.”

Jones took money from the robberies - $150 to $200 - and promised in turn not to tell on them. He later turned himself in.

“It seems to me you were along for the ride,” Haman said. “You didn’t point a gun or display a gun.”

After the sentencing, Jones and about 20 friends and relatives held hands in a circle and prayed outside the courtroom.

“I don’t know what was going through their minds,” said his father, Don Jones. “Even the judge couldn’t understand.” , DataTimes