Bedford County DA Resigns After Being Accused Of Helping Drug Dealers For Sex
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BEDFORD, Pa. (AP) -- A Pennsylvania district attorney is resigning after being accused of tipping off female drug dealers and giving them lenient treatment in exchange for sex.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro said at a courthouse news conference Wednesday that Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins manipulated women for sexual favors, calling it a betrayal of the community.
Higgins faces 31 counts, including witness intimidation, official oppression and obstruction. He is out on bail.
JUST IN: I've pressed criminal charges against Bedford Co. District Attorney William Higgins. He traded his power & authority for sexual favors and violated his oath to the people of Bedford County – compromising their safety. pic.twitter.com/ONOxXy6iKb
— AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) April 4, 2018
Higgins' defense attorney says he maintains his innocence and is raising questions about the credibility of the witnesses against his client. He says Higgins is "devastated."
Higgins says in a written statement he's accused of conduct "unbecoming of a district attorney" and "unbecoming of a husband and father."
The 43-year-old Republican was sworn into office in 2004.
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