San Diego sheriff’s officials have arrested one of their own, a six-year department veteran who has been accused of groping and sexually assaulting at least 14 women under color of authority.

It was not immediately clear when Deputy Richard Fischer was arrested, what specific charges he will face or if or when he was taken into custody.

Instead, District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that an arraignment has been scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m.. A news conference featuring Stephan, Sheriff Bill Gore and others will immediately follow the court proceeding.

Fischer has been the subject of repeated sexual-misconduct allegations in recent months.


He was accused of requesting hugs from women he encountered during calls for service. He also is accused of pulling over women and fondling them during pat-downs or rubbing their hands against his genitals.

During several of the alleged encounters, Fischer is accused of intimidating his victims by telling them that he would be checking up on them in the future.

The first legal claim was filed against Fischer and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department last fall.


The department said the deputy was immediately placed on desk duty and both criminal and internal administrative investigations were opened. By November, Fischer had been placed on administrative leave and no longer permitted inside department offices.

Fischer was removed from paid-leave status last month, about the time sheriff’s investigators referred the criminal case to the District Attorney’s Office.

After the initial legal claim was submitted to the county, and reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune and other media outlets, more women started coming forward with stories of their own. By early this year, a total of 14 women had filed claims against San Diego County.

At the same time, victims complained that Stephan and Gore may be protecting Fischer because of his status as a law enforcement officer -- a claim both the district attorney and sheriff denied.


The civil litigation has been referred to mediation, but settlement discussions between county lawyers and Dan Gilleon, the attorney representing the alleged victims, have not produced an agreement.

Background


Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald