Judge Explains Fischer's Sentence
 
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Tri-State News Network
 
KINGMAN, AZ - Mohave County Superior Court Judge Steve Conn made a number of points about Colorado City and the law during Wednesday's sentencing hearing for Kelly Fischer, a polygamist given a 45 day jail term for having sex with an underage wife assigned to him through church custom.

Conn emphasized that neither polygamy nor the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) that promotes a multiple wife lifestyle for its followers in Colorado City and neighboring Hildale, Utah, were on trial. He stated that it was instead Fischer who had been tried and convicted for sex offenses involving a minor.

During sentencing, Conn said the issue of whether Fischer and Jenny Steed has sex when she was underage was never really contested at trial. He said that was basically proved through a pair of certificates - one that showed Steed was barely 16 when she gave birth, and another showing Fischer was the father of the child.

The jury convicted Fischer of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. The offenses will be designated misdemeanors provided Fischer successfully completes three years of supervised probation.

A key condition of probation is that Fischer must serve 45 days in the county jail in Kingman. Judge Conn said he would not allow Fischer to serve time in Utah or in Colorado City because some law enforcement officers loyal to the FLDS church might not incarcerate him in the manner he intended.
 
Tri-State News Network
Originally published August 4, 2006
 
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