Fischer Sentenced Tomorrow
 
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Tri-State News Network
 
KINGMAN, AZ - Sentencing is set for tomorrow in Kingman, for a polygamist convicted of sexually offending his church-assigned underage wife and the defense attorney indicated the outcome could be important in how a number of other similar cases are resolved.

Flagstaff lawyer Bruce Griffen represents each of eight Colorado City polygamists who are charged with violating underage wives assigned to them through common practice of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). Seven of the cases are pending but Kelly Fischer, 37, faced probation up to four years in prison following trial convictions for sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.

The wife to whom the convictions relate, Jenny Steed, did not cooperate with the prosecution and was not available to testify during her celestial husband's trial.

"There will at least be a statement but I don't think that she'll appear," Griffen said. "Frankly it would by my preference that she did (appear in person), but she's very hesitant given all the press so I suspect that she won't."

Griffen has said client confidentiality prohibits him from answering questions regarding whether his services have been acquired through church resources or if each of the defendants is paying for their own representation. He also said he has not been approached about possibly representing FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, should he ever be taken into custody.
 
Tri-State News Network
Originally published Tuesday, August 1, 2006
 
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