San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced charges against a deputy sheriff accused of assaulting women. Photo: DA
SAN DIEGO–District Attorney Summer Stephan Thursday has filed charges against San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Fischer in connection with assaults under color of authority on 12 women in San Diego county.
Deputy Fischer is charged with 14 counts involving 12 victims, including one count of felony sexual battery, seven felony counts and five misdemeanor counts of assault under color of authority, and one misdemeanor count of false imprisonment.
“Under color of authority” means these crimes occurred while Deputy Fischer was on duty in his capacity as a law enforcement officer. If convicted of all charges, the defendant faces up to 14 years in custody. The defendant was arraigned today in San Diego Superior Court in Vista where he was taken into custody on $100,000 bail.
“Where crimes involve those who are in positions of trust, no stone will be unturned as this causes tremendous harm to the confidence of the community in those entrusted to serve,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “In my 28 years as a prosecutor, I’ve witnessed the bravery and professionalism of our men and women in law enforcement. I’ve seen how they give up their lives to keep us safe. Unfortunately, every profession—including those who wear a uniform, a doctor’s coat or a clergy collar—have bad apples. The true test for our justice system is how we commit to rooting out criminal behavior and protecting vulnerable victims. I want to thank these women for coming forward and reporting these assaults. They continue to demonstrate a great deal of bravery and courage.”
The criminal misconduct charged against Deputy Fischer in the seven felony counts of ‘assault under color of authority’ involves the general pattern of touching of victims’ intimate parts over the clothing. The criminal misconduct charged in the misdemeanor ‘assault under color of authority’ involves acts of touching of victims’ non-intimate parts over the clothing.
A readiness hearing has been set for March 26 and a Preliminary Hearing date of March 2 was put on calendar.
The case was formally submitted for review to the District Attorney’s Office on January 22. The District Attorney’s Office completed further investigation and made its review of crimes that spanned over two years and included multiple victims, a priority.
Some of the women were under arrest when the sexually based assault occurred. Others were vulnerable women calling for help because of a residential burglary or domestic violence incident when they encountered Fischer’s advances. The victims’ ages varied from late 20s to 60s.
If there are additional victims or information, the District Attorney’s Office is asking the public you to come forward and contact the DA’s Office directly at (619) 531-3965.
