Sex Crimes Draw Disbarment
A recent disbarment is summarized on the web page of the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board
Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Disbarment, in accordance with MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by Kent County Hearing Panel #4. The stipulation contained respondent’s acknowledgment that he was convicted by guilty plea of three counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fourth Degree – Force or Coercion, a misdemeanor, in violation of MCL 750.520e (PACC Charging Code 750.520E1A); and two counts of Engaging in the Services of Another for the Purpose of Prostitution, a misdemeanor, in violation of MCL 750.449a (PACC Charging Code 750.449A), in a matter titled People of the State of Michigan v Lanny Winston Fisher, Berrien County Circuit Court, Case No. 2023-015383-FC.
WNDU 16 reported
A Buchanan attorney accused of forcing women to perform sexual favors in exchange for legal services is pleading guilty to several of his criminal sexual conduct charges.
According to our reporting partners at The Herald-Palladium, 55-year-old Lanny Fisher pleaded guilty to three felonies and two misdemeanor charges after his attorney reached a plea deal with prosecutors.
Fisher was arrested in April of 2023 on criminal sexual conduct, prostitution and kidnapping related charges on alleged conduct dating back over a decade. The Herald-Palladium says the incidents Fisher pleaded guilty to happened in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and involved inappropriate touching as well as engaging the services of another for purposes of prostitution.
Before accepting the plea deal, Fisher was reportedly facing trial in August on 16 felony and misdemeanor charges. The agreement calls for the remaining charges to be dismissed.
And from WSTB 22 on the sentencing
The four victims, who were represented by Fisher in criminal matters or employed by him, testified in court today.
They referred to Fisher as a monster, a predator, and said he traumatized them…
Judge Pamela Lightvoet of Kalamazoo did not agree with the recommendation Fisher to be incarcerated for 180 days. She increased that sentence to one year.
“You completely took advantage of them. I think it’s sick. I can’t even understand what was going through your head again. Not just I would thinks it would be bad enough with one person, but it was over and over again sir,” said Lightvoet.”You used your position to get what you wanted it was selfish. It’s shameful… I didn’t see you look at them probably because you can’t look at them in the face after what you did to them.”
Fisher was handcuffed and taken to jail.
(Mike Frisch)