Pubdate: Fri, 19 May 2000
Source: Siskiyou Daily News (CA)
Copyright: 2000 Siskiyou Daily News
Contact:  (FAX or mail recommended)
Address: PO Box 129, Yreka, CA 96097
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WAYBACK FOUNDER GIVEN STAY OF JAIL SENTENCE

YREKA - Klamath River resident Steve Fisher appeared in Siskiyou
County Superior Court for formal sentencing Wednesday with his
attorney Nick Holt and a small following of supporters.

After much discussion, Fisher was sentenced to serve 120 days in jail
and placed on three years formal probation with standard terms. He was
not taken into immediate custody, however, as the presiding judge
issued a stay of sentence pending the filing of an appeal.

It is possible Fisher could be taken into custody Aug. 29, when his
case will be reviewed regarding the status of the appeal.

Fisher was found guilty in March by jury trial, of being a felon in
possession of a weapon (an antique cane sword) and being a felon in
possession of ammunition (a handful of .22 shells). The jury was
unable to decide as to charges of theft by false pretenses and
cultivation of marijuana. Fisher was found not guilty of possession of
marijuana for sale and sale or transportation of marijuana.

Fisher's controversial arrest came after a complaint was filed by two
men who had stayed at Fisher's residence while trying to recover from
alcohol and drug addition. They claimed that Fisher encouraged them to
smoke marijuana and that he smoked it openly around them.

After a reconnaissance flight over Fisher's home revealed he was
openly growing marijuana, a raid of the home was conducted and Fisher
was arrested.

Proclaiming he was growing and using marijuana within the law while
possessing a written recommendation from a physician, Fisher fought
the charges, additionally denying that he ever gave marijuana to
anyone. The two men, he claimed, stole it from him.

Prior to sentencing attorney Holt requested that the two convictions
be reduced to misdemeanors for sentencing purposes. That request was
denied. 
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