Fisher Sentenced For Theft, Burglary
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
A slight confrontation occurred among family members when Jason Fisher was sentenced this morning on charges of burglary and theft.
Fisher, who was released from custody for murder after accusing his father in the death of Kathy Vroman, was sentenced by Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed to four years in prison for burglary and 1-1/2 years for theft. The terms were ordered served concurrently and Fisher will be given credit for time already spent in jail on the charges.
Fisher, 24, of Millersburg, pleaded guilty in August to his role in a December 2000 burglary at Rice Ford, Warsaw, during which more than $100,000 worth of vehicles were taken.
Police and court testimony in the case against Jason Fisher's father, Ralph Fisher of Shipshewana, indicated that the Jan. 15, 2001, murder of Kathy Vroman of Milford was related to the vehicle thefts and that those thefts were part of a bigger car-theft ring.
Several family members, including Ralph Fisher, were in attendance for the sentencing.
Ralph Fisher was acquitted of Vroman's murder in March. Shortly thereafter, in exchange for his testimony during Ralph Fisher's trial, the murder charge pending against Jason Fisher was dismissed - with prejudice, which means Jason Fisher cannot later be charged in the murder case.
The younger Fisher spent nearly a year in the Kosciusko County Jail before telling authorities that he was innocent and putting the blame on his father.
Authorities said Vroman died inside Country Car Co., Milford, a used-car business owned by Jason Fisher. Her body was found several days later partially buried in snow in a wooded area in Michigan. An autopsy revealed Vroman suffered two gunshot wounds to the head.
During today's hearing, nothing was mentioned pertaining to Vroman's death.
Prior to sentencing, Jason Fisher's aunt and current employer, Virginia "Ginny" Nichols, told the court that her nephew is sincere in his regret that the Rice Ford burglary occurred. She said Jason Fisher is a good person and a good employee.
Also addressing the court was Pastor Dan Eby Jr. of Maple City Baptist Church in Goshen, of which Jason Fisher is a member.
"Jason has made some mistakes and has taken responsibility for those and 'fessed up to them," Eby said. "Prison has humbled him in a positive way. He has made an effort to take responsibility for his actions. I feel that Jason has gone through a transformation."
Jason Fisher also spoke, admitting the Rice Ford incident was "extremely stupid." He then became weepy and apologized for the undue stress he put on his family.
"I can't make up for what I did," Jason Fisher said. "I'm trying my best. ... I would appreciate a chance to continue to do so."
Reed said there were really no aggravating factors to consider for sentencing, but pointed out that Jason Fisher "masterminded" the break-in to Rice Ford. "There were folks who were with you," Reed said. "I'm reasonably satisfied it took someone to guide and direct them."
Vroman's husband, William Vroman; George Aldrich of Etna Green; and Lawrence Grant of Shipshewana were previously sentenced in connection with the Rice Ford incident. William Vroman has since been released from incarceration. Aldrich and Grant continue to serve their sentences.
As far as assessing Jason Fisher's character, Reed said it "might best be described as being extremely immature and not exercising very good judgment."
Although defense attorney Michael Miner of Warsaw requested the court to hand down a suspended sentence, Reed said, "I don't think one comes out rehabilitated or reformed without paying a price."
Jason Fisher also was ordered, along with his accomplices, to make restitution of $109,342.73. He must also pay a $500 fine and court costs.
After Jason Fisher was sentenced, his grandmother hugged him while a security guard waited to take him into custody. She told him, "I'll always be there for you. You know that." She then turned to Ralph Fisher and, waggling a finger at him, demanded: "What are you doing here?"
"He's my son and I love him," Ralph Fisher said. He earlier said he came to the hearing to find out what would happen to his son.
Jason Fisher's grandfather, who is Ralph Fisher's former father-in-law, also was upset with Ralph Fisher's presence in the courtroom. "You have no right to be here ... Get out," he said. [[In-content Ad]]
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A slight confrontation occurred among family members when Jason Fisher was sentenced this morning on charges of burglary and theft.
Fisher, who was released from custody for murder after accusing his father in the death of Kathy Vroman, was sentenced by Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed to four years in prison for burglary and 1-1/2 years for theft. The terms were ordered served concurrently and Fisher will be given credit for time already spent in jail on the charges.
Fisher, 24, of Millersburg, pleaded guilty in August to his role in a December 2000 burglary at Rice Ford, Warsaw, during which more than $100,000 worth of vehicles were taken.
Police and court testimony in the case against Jason Fisher's father, Ralph Fisher of Shipshewana, indicated that the Jan. 15, 2001, murder of Kathy Vroman of Milford was related to the vehicle thefts and that those thefts were part of a bigger car-theft ring.
Several family members, including Ralph Fisher, were in attendance for the sentencing.
Ralph Fisher was acquitted of Vroman's murder in March. Shortly thereafter, in exchange for his testimony during Ralph Fisher's trial, the murder charge pending against Jason Fisher was dismissed - with prejudice, which means Jason Fisher cannot later be charged in the murder case.
The younger Fisher spent nearly a year in the Kosciusko County Jail before telling authorities that he was innocent and putting the blame on his father.
Authorities said Vroman died inside Country Car Co., Milford, a used-car business owned by Jason Fisher. Her body was found several days later partially buried in snow in a wooded area in Michigan. An autopsy revealed Vroman suffered two gunshot wounds to the head.
During today's hearing, nothing was mentioned pertaining to Vroman's death.
Prior to sentencing, Jason Fisher's aunt and current employer, Virginia "Ginny" Nichols, told the court that her nephew is sincere in his regret that the Rice Ford burglary occurred. She said Jason Fisher is a good person and a good employee.
Also addressing the court was Pastor Dan Eby Jr. of Maple City Baptist Church in Goshen, of which Jason Fisher is a member.
"Jason has made some mistakes and has taken responsibility for those and 'fessed up to them," Eby said. "Prison has humbled him in a positive way. He has made an effort to take responsibility for his actions. I feel that Jason has gone through a transformation."
Jason Fisher also spoke, admitting the Rice Ford incident was "extremely stupid." He then became weepy and apologized for the undue stress he put on his family.
"I can't make up for what I did," Jason Fisher said. "I'm trying my best. ... I would appreciate a chance to continue to do so."
Reed said there were really no aggravating factors to consider for sentencing, but pointed out that Jason Fisher "masterminded" the break-in to Rice Ford. "There were folks who were with you," Reed said. "I'm reasonably satisfied it took someone to guide and direct them."
Vroman's husband, William Vroman; George Aldrich of Etna Green; and Lawrence Grant of Shipshewana were previously sentenced in connection with the Rice Ford incident. William Vroman has since been released from incarceration. Aldrich and Grant continue to serve their sentences.
As far as assessing Jason Fisher's character, Reed said it "might best be described as being extremely immature and not exercising very good judgment."
Although defense attorney Michael Miner of Warsaw requested the court to hand down a suspended sentence, Reed said, "I don't think one comes out rehabilitated or reformed without paying a price."
Jason Fisher also was ordered, along with his accomplices, to make restitution of $109,342.73. He must also pay a $500 fine and court costs.
After Jason Fisher was sentenced, his grandmother hugged him while a security guard waited to take him into custody. She told him, "I'll always be there for you. You know that." She then turned to Ralph Fisher and, waggling a finger at him, demanded: "What are you doing here?"
"He's my son and I love him," Ralph Fisher said. He earlier said he came to the hearing to find out what would happen to his son.
Jason Fisher's grandfather, who is Ralph Fisher's former father-in-law, also was upset with Ralph Fisher's presence in the courtroom. "You have no right to be here ... Get out," he said. [[In-content Ad]]