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.
How has the Electoral College survived, despite being perennially unpopular?
Despite its substantial-sounding name, the Electoral College isn’t a permanent body: It’s more of a process. For decades, a majority of Americans have wanted it to be changed.
Thousands of Pennsylvania voters have had their mail ballot applications challenged
Thousands of last-minute challenges to voters’ mail ballot applications, along with baseless claims by former President Donald Trump, are adding pressure on Pennsylvania county officials.
No more fluoride in the water? RFK Jr. wants that and Trump says it ‘sounds OK’
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s claims about fluoride in the drinking water are linked to Cold War conspiracy theories about the substance.
‘Divine Nine’ historically Black organizations hope efforts will turn out the vote
With more than 2 million members, the "Divine Nine" organizations have launched many get-out-the-vote initiatives in this historic election involving one of their members, Vice President Harris.
Impossible, you say? Try asking a toddler
Green eggs and ham? Even toddlers know when an event appears to be impossible, not just improbable.
Trump is hoping to win non-consecutive terms. Only one president has done it
If reelected, Trump would only be the second president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s. Here's a look at how that happened — and who else has tried.
