Joshua Fischer, Deprivation of Rights under Color of Law, California 2018

Related Federal Cases

Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Attacking ICE Officer · California
Herlong Inmate McNeal Faces Decade for Brutal Prison Assault · Texas
Flight Fury: Sacramento Woman Accused of Toddler Abuse · Washington
Atwater Inmate Threatens Prosecutor’s Family: Indicted · Texas
Eric Christie Convicted of Entering Restricted Grounds, Washington … · District of Columbia

Table of Contents

Defendant Dragged Inmate by Hair, Flung into Cell

LOS ANGELES – A former San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to seven months in federal prison for abusing a county jail inmate by dragging the victim by her hair on the ground from one cell by several feet and then throwing her into another jail cell.

Joshua Fischer, 42, of Grover Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr.

‘Fischer’s actions toward the victim showed a ‘level of callousness’ and ‘disdain’ toward the victim and that his use of force was ‘unreasonable.’

Fischer pleaded guilty on April 2 to one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law. As part of his plea agreement, Fischer agreed to not seek future employment as a sworn law enforcement officer.

Fischer was a sworn law enforcement officer and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office senior correctional deputy assigned to work at the Intake Release Center in the city of San Luis Obispo between January 2017 and December 2018.

While on duty on November 18, 2018, Fischer instructed the victim, a jail inmate, to exit her cell, which she did. Fischer then directed her to enter an adjacent cell. After arguing with Fischer, the victim, who was shirtless, turned around, crossed her arms across her chest, and started to re-enter her original cell.

Fischer forcibly grabbed the victim by her hair and pulled her to the ground. He then dragged the victim across the floor by her hair several feet. Fischer then flung the victim, again by her hair, into an adjacent cell. After Fischer closed the cell door, the victim huddled in the corner of the cell.