Fisher sentenced for sexual assault

Katie Davis and Burke Wasson

Henry Fisher, one of the largest property owners in Carbondale, was sentenced Wednesday to serve 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the 2001 sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl.

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Fisher, owner of Home Rentals, was found guilty three months ago by a Williamson County jury of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Sentencing was originally slated for July 2, but defense attorneys were granted a continuance to file a motion for a mistrial, which was denied Wednesday morning.

Fisher’s attorneys filed for a mistrial based on information that an unidentified juror had seen the end of a newscast related to the case and mentioned it during jury deliberations. Judge William H. Wilson found the information did not impact the jury’s verdict and chose to move on to sentencing.

Fisher’s attorneys, William Schroeder, Richard E. White and Randy Patchett, refused to comment on the prospect of an appeal, though Patchett said during closing arguments before sentencing that Fisher maintains his innocence.

Wilson told Fisher that he must serve 85 percent of the 12-year sentence, making him eligible for parole in a little more than 10 years. Wilson was also fined Fisher $10,000 as well as an additional $100 mandatory fee for sexual assault.

Wilson instructed Fisher to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life in accordance with Megan’s Law, which requires all sex offenders to list their current address in a state registry. He also has to undergo HIV testing and submit a DNA sample.

Fisher’s defense attorneys asked if the fines and costs handed out to Fisher could be taken out of his original $10,000 bond. Wilson ultimately denied the defense’s request.

Patchett tried to persuade Wilson by saying that Fisher has an extensive family connection in the area, is a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and is one of the least “flight risk” clients he has represented.

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Williamson County State’s Attorney Charles Garnati objected to the defense’s request, saying that Fisher would be a risk to the public.

“He’s a danger to the public and to the children of Williamson County,” Garnati said to Wilson.

A former stepchild of Fisher testified during the sentencing hearing that she had been molested three to four times while her mother was dating Fisher 25 years ago. She said she remained silent until five years ago when she told her husband. She filed an official police report in 2002.

Garnati asked that Fisher be given the maximum sentence of 30 years because he was a risk to the public.

“This man is a sexual predator,” Garnati said. “He preys on those weaker than he.”

Although Fisher was arrested in March 2001 the matter did not go to trial until May of this year. Repeated motions by his defense attorneys pushed the trial back.

Garnati read a letter of impact to the court from the now 14-year-old victim, informing the courtroom how her life has changed in the three years since she was molested.

“Three years ago, my life and those of everyone who loved me changed forever,” Garnati read.

“I want him to get the maximum 30 years.”

Reporter Katie Davis can be reached at [email protected]

Reporter Burke Wasson can be reached at [email protected]