A former sports reporter for Zanesville, Ohio NBC affiliate WHIZ has been sentenced to four years in prison for soliciting a teenage girl for nude photos.
Chase Fisher pleaded guilty to one count of illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material or performance, a second-degree felony, and one count of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, a fifth-degree felony.
Between August 2019 and March 2021, Fisher paid the 15-year-old girl for nude pictures of herself. He also sent nude pictures of himself to her. Prosecutors said when she tried to break off the relationship, he threatened to kill himself. He was 28 at the time.
Assistant Muskingum County Prosecutor Gerald Anderson said Fisher, who was also a track coach, held a position of public trust and influence in the community. Anderson said Fisher knew of the girl’s age and contacted her via social media.
Fisher apologized to the court and said the victim “did the right thing” by contacting police.
Muskingum County Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill said the victim sent him a letter saying she had suicidal thoughts and that she felt exploited, and claimed Fisher knew she had mental health issues. She also asked for the maximum sentence.