Former Bibb County Deputy Sheriff Convicted of Sexual Exploitation
A former Bibb County deputy sheriff has been convicted on six criminal charges stemming from allegations that he sexually exploited women he encountered during traffic stops.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange announced the conviction of Ervin Heard today
Heard, 44, of Centreville, was found guilty on December 17, 2015, of charges of custodial sexual misconduct, first degree sexual abuse, second degree human trafficking, intimidating a witness, unlawful imprisonment and harassing communications. Heard was fired from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 for behavior unbecoming a law enforcement officer.
During the trial, seven female witnesses testified that Heard, while on duty as a deputy sheriff, solicited and received sexual favors from them in exchange for not taking them to jail for various offenses. Evidence showed that Heard transported at least one of these female victims in his patrol car to the Sheriff’s Office for the purpose of forcing her to perform a sexual act.
“Law enforcement personnel are sworn to protect the public,” said Attorney General Strange. “When someone crosses the line and abuses their authority there can be no excuse. The defendant, while an officer of the law, chose to ignore his duty to protect and defend. He should therefore be held accountable to the law and face the full measure of justice.”
Heard is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23, 2016. The Attorney General’s Criminal Trials Division prosecuted the case at the request of the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office, which recused itself from the case.
Review by Senate Democrats finds more unreported luxury trips by Clarence Thomas
A report by Democrats on the Judiciary Committee found additional travel taken in 2021 by Thomas but not reported on his annual financial disclosure, including trips on private jets and a yacht trip.
Where did Barry Jenkins feel safe as a kid? Atop a tree
Director Barry Jenkins is best known for films like "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk." On Wild Card, he opens up about where he felt the safest as a kid.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 20, including five children
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 20 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said.
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch
Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups.
This Christmas I’ll be grieving. Here’s how I’ll be finding joy.
Since her husband's death, newscaster Windsor Johnston has been looking for ways to recapture joy and continue her healing journey — one that's taken her to a place she'd never expected.
On tap for the holidays: A blend of multicultural drink traditions and fond memories
For this year's All Things Considered holiday cocktail interview, we visited Providencia in Washington, D.C., a bar that brings its owners' personal stories to life.
