Apr 2, 2002 By Jennifer Harr 2 min read

A 76-year-old Brownsville man, scheduled to plead guilty to sexually abusing a Redstone Township girl, was not present in Fayette County Court on Monday because he was hospitalized. Attorney Jeffrey Abramowitz, who represents James “Pappy” Fisher, told President Judge William J. Franks that Fisher had a heart attack over the weekend and was in Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Abramowitz said Fisher had “severe heart and other problems” and noted he was notified of his client’s condition on his way into court that morning.

Fisher was to plead guilty to indecent assault in exchange for three to 23 months on the Intermediate Punishment program, which would have given him a house arrest-type sentence.

Fisher of 412 Front St. allegedly fondled a 12-year-old girl in the summer of 2000. Redstone Township police also charge that he sent the pre-teen a note that read, “Roses are red, violets are blue, and you are my little angel, too.” Police said he signed the note, “Love, your boyfriend Pappy.”

Abramowitz, under the direction of Franks, said he would get confirmation from the hospital that Fisher was indeed admitted. That confirmation, said Franks, would stop him from entering a bench warrant for Fisher’s arrest.

“From what I understand, your honor, they expect him to be in intensive care, if he survives, for a significant period of time,” said Abramowitz.

Fisher was free on bond, under the conditions that he was not allowed any contact with juveniles.

Capt. H. Dennis Field Jr., who filed charges on Sept. 6, said that Fisher knew the girl’s father. Field also expressed concern at the time of Fisher’s arrest that other victims were out there because Fisher reportedly said that he had “lots of little friends.”

Although another victim reportedly came forward in Washington County, no other Fayette victims have come forward.