Sex Offender Dawn Fisher Violates Probation

(Toledo, Ohio) In September 2006, 33-year-old mother of three Dawn M. Fisher pleaded no contest to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in accordance with a deal offered by the prosecution.

As a reminder, Fisher engaged in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy, became pregnant and gave birth. She denied all allegations until DNA testing of the newborn proved the boy was the father.

In October, Judge James Bates sentenced Fisher to five years community control and no jail time. She had faced a possible five years in prison. Surprisingly, Judge Bates admitted that he would have ruled differently for a man in similar circumstances.

This week, Judge Bates expressed a change in his thinking while sentencing Fisher to two years in prison for violating her probation. While admitting that he said something he shouldn't have during her first sentencing, Judge Bates cited failure to complete sex offender treatment as the reason Fisher is going to prison. Fisher, for some irrational reason, continues to view herself as the victim in the relationship with the boy.

In court, Fisher sprinkled some apologies among boo-hoos but Judge Bates had no sympathy. She left the court in cuffs.

Interested-Participant helped shine the light on Judge Bates' original statement of gender bias which he now regrets. Even so, the judge deserves some credit for having the courage to revisit his error and correct it. To my knowledge, admitting errors isn't typical judicial practice.

Tip: Don Morgenstern