Ex-BPD Officer to Enter Guilty Plea

Retired Boston Police Officer to Plead Guilty in Capitol Insurrection Case

Former Officer Expected to Admit Assaulting an Officer and Obstructing Law Enforcement

A retired Boston police officer is set to plead guilty to federal charges related to the US Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Court documents reveal that Joseph Robert Fisher is anticipated to enter a guilty plea at a scheduled hearing on Feb. 1. Fisher, aged 52 and from Plymouth, was indicted in September on eight criminal counts, including assaulting and obstructing officers and engaging in violence in a restricted area.

Guilty Plea Without a Plea Agreement

In a federal court filing dated Nov. 30, Fisher’s attorney stated that his client will plead guilty to the charges as presented in the indictment, without a plea agreement. This development suggests that Fisher takes responsibility for his actions and agrees to accept the consequences of his involvement in the insurrection.

Allegations and Evidence

An FBI affidavit filed in the case outlines the allegations against Fisher. The document states that Fisher, a former Boston police officer, entered the Capitol during the riots around 2:24 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021. Surveillance footage captured Fisher entering the House side of the Capitol Visitor Center orientation lobby at approximately 2:37 p.m. Shortly after, a physical altercation broke out between rioters and US Capitol Police Officers.

Assault on an Officer

According to the affidavit, Fisher allegedly pushed a chair into an officer as the officer was chasing another individual who deployed pepper spray or mace. Fisher’s actions resulted in a physical confrontation with the officer, which ended with Fisher on the ground and out of the camera frame. The evidence and witness statements support the charges of assaulting an officer and engaging in physical violence in a restricted area.

Retirement from the Boston Police Department

Fisher joined the Boston police force in December 1994 and retired on Dec. 14, 2016. In the years leading up to his retirement, he served in the “Medically Incapacitated Section.” During his active duty, Fisher was also a member of the department’s K-9 unit.

The Jan. 6 Capitol Insurrection

The events of Jan. 6, 2021, unfolded after then-President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to “fight like hell” and marched to the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of President Biden’s electoral victory. The mob breached the Capitol, causing lawmakers to evacuate. The insurrection resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries, including those sustained by law enforcement officers.

Material from previous Globe stories was used in this report.

Samantha J. Gross can be reached at samantha.gross@globe.com. Follow her @samanthajgross.

Read More of this Story at www.bostonglobe.com – 2023-12-10 19:31:00