Columnist
I am continually stunned by the crimes committed against the working class and the elderly. Let me be clear: all crime is atrocious. But there is a particular cruelty in targeting those who count every penny — people saving for retirement or holding on until the day they punch a time clock for the last time. The simple idea of stealing from them is the betrayal of a lifetime.
So when I walked into the Suwannee County Courthouse on Monday, Feb. 2, I walked into something different. I was on the edge of my seat for the one-hour and 12-minute sentencing hearing of Jason Andrew Bullock, who was convicted of doing the very thing I mentioned above.
Since September, when I first reported on the case, I was inundated with contact from victims who shared their stories of how Bullock had essentially drained their bank accounts by offering a beautiful metal building they could live in. Instead, what was actually delivered were incorrect blueprints, misinformation and, ultimately, a bankruptcy notice for Apex Metal Building Systems.
Bullock was responsible for every penny that flowed into the business. He was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the company. He was responsible for making sure these victims received their metal buildings. After the facts were revealed during the trial — including that Apex Metal Buildings System had over 100 unfulfilled work orders — it was apparent that he was in over his head. He made poor business decisions and did not surround himself with the right people who could have steered him in a different direction.
But what makes this wrong is that, even after acknowledging his shortcomings, he continued to take people’s money, including that of a Nassau County church, for over $70,000.
After watching Circuit Judge Kathryn Land hand down a 14-year sentence to Bullock, it felt fitting. The victims thought the justice system was going to fail them. Some doubted the Third Judicial Circuit's capabilities. However, I hope that some faith in our criminal justice system was restored following the sentencing.
The saddest, most unfortunate part of this is that Bullock has young children. Now, for the next 14 years, he will not be able to watch them grow up. His 6-year-old will be 20-years-old by the time he is released; his 2-year-old will be 16-years-old. There will be anniversaries, birthdays and accolades missed because Bullock chose to “succeed with fraud instead of closing with some honor,” as Judge Land said from the bench.
While it is a sad course of events, in order for the justice system to work, it must be fair and balanced. A justice system that bends for personal hardship ceases to be just. As Richard Ng, one of the victims, told me during an interview with him, “If fraud against the vulnerable is met with leniency, then the message to the public is clear: exploitation pays.”
I commend the courage of the victims who came forward during my coverage of the case and allowed me to speak with them. I also commend the Third Judicial Circuit for actively pursuing justice in this case, though for a while, it seemed like a long shot. And I commend Bullock’s defense team for maintaining professionalism and balance throughout the proceedings, because justice requires fairness, even for those who have caused profound harm.
To Bullock’s family, I also offer sympathy. Watching a loved one go to prison is devastating. But sympathy cannot replace accountability.
In the end, justice had to be served. And in this case, it was.