A dark chapter for popular principal has come to a resolution.
Former Chillicothe High School principal Jeff Fisher made a deal where he pleaded guilty to two counts, one for each victim, and the state has dismissed the other five charges of sexual battery - relieving the need for a trial.
His plea is known as an “Alford Plea”, asserting his innocence although acknowledging the state has enough evidence to convict”.
Ross County Prosecutor Matt Schmidt said this is what the two former high school girls wanted. Schmidt said the victims wanted Fisher to never have the opportunity again, so they are satisfied. He said the two women did not want to testify about intimate teenage incidents, and both were "surprisingly not vindictive towards him."
Fisher's sentencing will be January 14th, and he is recommended for community control, with no prison time.
Under the recommendation that is being presented to Judge Mike Ater for sentencing, Fisher would be marked as a sexual predator for life, and under that classification could not live within 1,000 feet from any school.
Schmidt said yes, this was justice...for the victims. He said he was satisfied.
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils, major trials, and local culture