How many bites?: Respect for the law

Regarding the common practice of releasing some accused criminals while they await trial, we wonder how many bites from that apple a particular suspect should get. And, if he nibbles away without meaningful consequences, what message does that send?

Suspended Monessen football coach and teacher Joe Fischer faces a slew of charges for allegedly showing porn to students -- in school, on a school computer. Fischer also is accused of slamming a student into a door.

The accused was released on an $25,000 recognizance bond, meaning he didn't have to post bond but was ordered to refrain from any illegal activity or from contacting the alleged victims. A few weeks later, he tested positive for cocaine, in flagrant disregard of the conditions of his bond.

Westmoreland County Judge Richard E. McCormick Jr. -- who ordered Fischer's arrest for failing the drug test -- released Fischer on his own recognizance but with stricter stipulations. McCormick called this "a wake-up call."

District Attorney John Peck, who pointed out that Fischer had been seen intoxicated in another instance, asked for electronic monitoring. But the former coach didn't even get that.

Separate from the suspect's wisdom of allegedly using cocaine while awaiting trial is the public's perception of this evolving case. Yes, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty. But en route to justice, if suspects abuse the conditions of their bond, they also mock the law under which they've been charged.

For that disregard, the penalty should be swift and severe.