Bedford County District Attorney accused of helping drug dealers in exchange for sex
 

Bedford County District Attorney, accused of helping drug dealers in exchange for sex, resigns

Pennsylvania: Bedford County District Attorney William Higgins resigned Wednesday after he was charged with abusing his power by allegedly giving several women convicted of crimes leniency in exchange for sexual favors, the state Attorney General’s office said.

Mr. Higgins, 43, a Republican who has served Bedford County since 2004, faces charges recommended by a grand jury after a yearslong investigation. He turned himself in to authorities Wednesday morning and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

District Attorney Higgins was motivated by sex," state Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. "He traded his power and law enforcement authority for sexual favors and violated his oath to the people of Bedford County."

Charging documents say one woman performed oral sex on Higgins about a month after he told a state trooper not to charge her with drug delivery. The police affidavit says another woman claims that after she performed oral sex on Higgins, he told her that her cousin could thank her for not getting arrested.

The attorney general’s office charged Mr. Higgins with obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, official oppression, recklessly endangering another person, intimidation of witnesses or victims and hindering apprehension or prosecution.

“District Attorney Higgins traded his power and law enforcement authority for sexual favors and violated his oath to the people of Bedford County — compromising the security of his community and the safety of confidential informants,” state Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a statement.

“Higgins’ conduct and manipulation of these women was a complete betrayal of the trust of the good citizens of Bedford County — who elected him to enforce the law and keep them safe. Today, with our partners in the Pennsylvania State Police, we are ending this culture and working to restore trust in the Bedford County District Attorney’s Office.”

State police Cpl. James A. Aughinbaugh wrote in a criminal complaint that he began investigating the district attorney following numerous complaints about Mr. Higgins’ conduct.

The criminal complaint details Mr. Higgins’ interactions with three women with whom he had relationships. The women were not identified in court documents.

In 2008, a woman accused District Attorney William Higgins of sexually assaulting her his office at the Bedford County Courthouse. Authorities declined to file charges then.


http://www.post-gazette.com/news/sta...s/201804040148

Typical bible thumping GOP.