Ex-deputy accused of misconduct with 16 women pleads guilty

San Diego Union-Tribune - 9/9/2019

Sep. 9--VISTA -- A former sheriff's deputy accused of on-the-job sexual misconduct involving 16 women pleaded guilty Monday to seven criminal charges that could send him to prison for up to five years.

Richard Fischer, 33, admitted to four felonies and three misdemeanors -- a total of seven charges. He had faced 20 counts.

The plea encompasses all 16 accusers. Whether or not Fischer will have to register as a sex offender as a result of his guilty pleas will be decided when he is sentenced by San Diego Superior Court Judge Daniel B. Goldstein. That sentencing is now loosely scheduled for Dec. 10.

If Fischer had gone to trial and been convicted on all charges, he could have been facing up to 25 years in custody. Under the terms of the plea agreement, his sentence could range from probation to up to five years in custody.

Several accusers have said Fischer groped, hugged or tried to kiss them. Some said the misconduct occurred while they were detained or in custody. Others said Fischer had been among deputies who responded to calls for assistance, and that the encounters happened when he returned hours or days later.

Fischer had adamantly denied the allegations. At a news conference outside the San Diego Central Courthouse in July 2018, Fischer told reporters: "The charges against me are false."

In a statement announcing the guilty plea, District Attorney Summer Stephan said the plea deal had support of most of Fischer's victims.

"This plea acknowledges the separate crimes committed against each victim and is accepted in accordance with the wishes of the overwhelming number of victims who agree it is a just and appropriate resolution that holds the defendant accountable for his crimes," Stephan said in the statement.

"I want to thank the victims who showed tremendous courage by coming forward and standing up to the defendant who abused his position of trust under the color of authority," Stephan said. "I also want to thank the prosecution team for their tremendous work and their commitment to obtaining justice in this case."

While the plea caps the criminal case, he still faces numerous civil suits targeting him and the county.

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