Fish Convicted

After listening to closing arguments all morning, Bernard Fish’s jury began deliberating at 12:15 Friday afternoon. The six men and six women returned with a guilty verdict on all counts shortly after 3:30 — two counts each of armed robbery, extortion and unlawful imprisonment, and one count of impersonating a peace officer to commit a crime.

Baraga County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph O’Leary said it was a strange case on many levels.

“Absent witnesses,” O’Leary said. “An absent victim. I’ve never, ever had that. Some of the most interesting testimony I’ve ever seen. I don’t know what other word to choose.”

One of the victims, Steven Heiser, refused to appear for the trial even though O’Leary sent him a subpoena. Several other subpoenaed prosecution witnesses also didn’t show up.

Fish claimed that the incident was staged, telling Michigan State Police troopers at one point that it was an attempt to get money from Heiser’s father. Fish also testified in his own defense on Thursday.

“Quite a story,” O’Leary said. “I believe that the truth did come out. I believe that justice was done, but there is no denying this was a rather strange case.”

Ultimately, the jurors felt the evidence supported O’Leary’s argument that Fish robbed what he believed to be a marijuana grow operation in Watton in August of last year.

“I’m pleased that they came to that verdict,” O’Leary said. “I’m saddened that such a thing had to happen in Baraga County in the first place, but I believe justice was served today.”

Fish could spend the rest of his life in prison. His sentencing date has not been scheduled yet.