US News
Christian fellowship cuts ties with convicted former deputy hired as chaplain
The Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship removed Ricky Fischer following public backlash over his hiring to counsel police officers.
The short version
- The Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship severed its affiliation with former sheriff's deputy Ricky Fischer, who had been hired as a chaplain to counsel officers.
- Fischer previously pleaded guilty to offenses tied to assaulting women, which led to approximately $10 million in civil settlements paid by San Diego County.
- The group's president issued an apology after local officials and law enforcement leadership pushed for Fischer's immediate removal.
Key facts
- Ricky Fischer, a former sheriff's deputy convicted of offenses related to assaulting women, was hired as a chaplain to provide mentorship and counseling to police officers through the Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship.[Associated Press]
- More than 20 women had accused Fischer of abuses including stalking, groping, and sexual assault, leading to approximately $10 million in taxpayer-funded civil settlement payouts by San Diego County.[Associated Press]
- Nonprofit president Jerry Hara apologized and announced that Fischer was no longer affiliated with the organization, acknowledging a failure to adequately consider the impact on victims and the public.[Associated Press]
- State Sen. Catherine Blakespear and Sheriff Kelly Martinez expressed strong condemnation of the appointment, with Blakespear stating that Martinez pressured the organization to cut ties.[Associated Press]
Sources
- Ex-Deputy Convicted of Assaulting Women Out at Christian GroupAssociated Press