William B.T. Fullerton

A county prosecutor is seeking election this year to succeed retiring District Judge Pete Shaffer.

William B.T. Fullerton, an assistant district attorney since 1996, recently announced his candidacy for the post that covers Butler.

A first-time candidate for elected office, Fullerton, 51, of Butler said his prosecutorial experience and knowledge of the law makes him uniquely qualified for the position.

“I believe my years of experience as a lawyer practicing in Butler, along with my extensive civic and community involvement, provide me with the right balance of experience and knowledge to positively impact the office of district judge and the city of Butler,” he said.

Fullerton is a registered Republican, and he plans to seek both the GOP and Democratic nominations in the May 19 primary. District judge candidates can cross file in the primary.

He earned an undergraduate degree at Allegheny College in Meadville before receiving his juris doctor from Duquesne University Law School in 1989. He was admitted to practice that same year.

He began his legal career in 1990 as the law clerk to Butler County Judge John H. Brydon. While clerking for Brydon until 1995, he researched and wrote legal opinions on a wide variety of legal issues for the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.

In 1996, Fullerton was hired as an assistant by then-District Attorney Tim McCune. In his current position, he prosecutes a range of cases from summary offenses to homicides.

In addition to criminal law, he also considers himself well versed in civil matters.

District judges, elected to six-year terms, set bail and issue arrest and search warrants. They preside over arraignments and preliminary hearings in all matters of crime.

Additionally, district judges handle civil disputes such as landlord-tenant disputes, delinquency and contract disagreements involving as much as $12,000.

They also listen to evidence and rule on summary cases such as vehicle code offenses, underage drinking, and illegal fishing and game law violations.

Fullerton, in running, touted his community activism that includes serving on the board of directors for Crime Victim Services, which he helped to guide through a successful merger with the Volunteers Against Abuse Center.

He subsequently served on the board for the Victim Outreach Intervention Center, VOICe, which provides counseling, legal and related support services to victims of domestic violence and other crimes.

“My unique combination of professional expertise, public service and life experience make me definitively qualified for the position,” he said.

“I intend to bring to the office not only these qualifications, but also a commitment to ensure consistent and unbiased justice through innovative programs, technology and community partnership.”

Fullerton and his wife, Ellen, have lived in Butler since 1996. Their children, Patrick, a senior, and Erin, a sophomore, are students in the Butler School District.