SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A preliminary hearing started Wednesday morning for the San Diego County deputy accused of sexual misconduct.
Richard Fischer was in court Wednesday after seven women have accused him of sexual misconduct since November of 2016.
Earlier in May, a settlement was reached in two cases against Fischer. The settlements total out to more than $400,000.
RELATED: 7th woman accuses San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Fischer of inappropriate behavior
The department opened an investigation into Fischer after a woman claimed he groped her while responding to a service call.
The investigation has since been expanded to more than a dozen incidents against Fischer dating back to 2015.
The 32-year-old is on unpaid leave and out on bail pending the outcome of the criminal court cases.
RELATED: San Diego County sheriff's deputy accused of sexual misconduct pleads not guilty
