Letters Asking For Leniency In Fischer Sentencing
 
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Tri-State News Network
 
KINGMAN, AZ - A young woman is asking an Arizona Judge to spare her polygamous partner from jail or prison when he is sentenced today in Kingman for having sex with her after she became his church-assigned "celestial wife" more than five years ago. Jenny Steed Fischer, now 21, and about 140 other people have submitted character letters to the court urging leniency on behalf of Kelly Fischer, 37.

A Mohave County jury last month convicted Fischer of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. That Jenny had sex with the already legally-married Fischer before she was of legal age was not a point contested at trial.

"I've known Kelly since I was twelve years old; when he came to pick us up just before my mother's marriage to him," it said. "He has never mistreated me or forced me to do or believe anything against my will."

Mohave County attorney Matt Smith said the letter reflects the brainwashing that occurs through FLDS culture. He said young girls are raised to understand that they have no choice in dating and partnering and that they must accept relationships and spiritual matches as determined by the church leader, or prophet.

Smith said he believes Judge Conn will recognize the cultural brainwashing and Jenny's immaturity at the starting point of her relationship with Fischer.

Smith said it would seem somewhat unfair that Jenny's character letter be given great consideration when her failure to cooperate prevented him from eliciting her testimony for the trial jury.

Fischer could get as little as probation, with or without county jail time, or up to as many as four years in prison. Smith said he will ask Judge Conn to impose a prison term.
 
Tri-State News Network
Originally published August 2, 2006
 
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