Kandiyohi County Judge Fischer to Retire From the Bench

Complaints against a Kandiyohi County judge will be dropped after she announced she will retire from the bench.  The complaints against Kandiyohi County Judge Jennifer Fischer were filed by the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards in late July.

The complaint alleged Fischer violated a 2023 disciplinary agreement by retaliating against colleagues and attorneys who had cooperated in a prior investigation.  She was accused of filing baseless complaints, making inappropriate statements about other judges’ mental health and addiction, and displaying erratic courtroom behavior.   Fischer was removed from all hearing duties and reassigned to administrative work.

In her response, Judge Fischer denied wrongdoing and claimed the case is retaliation for whistleblowing and her past medical leave.  A special panel was appointed to review the case and recommend possible sanctions, and last week it was learned Fischer would retire and the complaints would be dismissed.  Fischer was a private attorney in Willmar and then served as Kandiyohi County Attorney before being appointed to the bench about 12 years ago.  Her current term had been set to expire in 2027.