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Higgins’ resignation shocks residents

Mirror photo by Shen Wu Tan / Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said during Wednesday's media conference in Bedford, that William Higgins, former Bedford County district attorney, abused his public office to get sexual favors from female drug dealers and jeopardized the safety of law enforcement staff.

BEDFORD — Numerous Bedford County residents were shocked that corruption charges had been filed against the former District Attorney William Higgins and stunned by his resignation.

But a victim advocate applauded Wednesday’s developments.

“It’s a good day today to see him held accountable for his actions. This is not what we want or expect from our prosecutors,” Jennifer Storm, an employee of the Office of Victim Advocate, said. Storm worked with Higgins in the past through her office.

Higgins was charged Wednesday with 31 misdemeanor counts, including obstruction of law enforcement, intimidation of a witness, hindering prosecution, recklessly endangering another person and official oppression. He resigned Wednesday morning.

In magisterial district court, Higgins pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Higgins said in an email that he could not comment on the validity of the accusations. “I have faith in the criminal justice process that I have been a part of for my entire legal career,” he wrote.

Many expressed shock as the news came out.

LeGrand W. Perce, secretary for Bedford Lions Club who has known Higgins for a number of years, said he was surprised by the news.

“I’m shocked as anything to know that he’s resigned. I didn’t know anything about that,” Perce said. “It is very surprising.”

The Bedford County commissioners were stunned.

“The Bedford County commissioners are shocked and disappointed about the actions allegedly committed by the former Bedford County district attorney that have resulted in the criminal charges announced today,” read an issued statement. “As an elected public official, the district attorney is not subject to supervision by the county commissioners, and we were not previously aware of the incidents that led to the criminal charges.”

Commissioners added, “We have received the former district attorney’s official resignation, and we will fully support the interim district attorney with necessary county resources in this transition period.”

Lesley Childers-Potts, assistant district attorney, will temporarily fill in as Higgins’ replacement.

Bette Slayton, president of the Bedford County Develop­­ment Association, said she was well-acquainted with Higgins but declined to comment about his resignation and misdemeanor charges. “I have respected his work throughout the years, and I wish him well,” she said.

Storm had a differing view.

“He has just egregiously violated victims’ rights over the past couple of years,” Storm said.

“His tactics and his handling of crime victims has been very disappointing to say the least,” she said. “He’s had blatant disregard and disrespect for some of the victims who have come through the county.”

Upon his resignation, Higgins said his family needs his full attention. “I pray to God for guidance as I work to strengthen my relationship with my family and strive to be the man that they deserve,” Higgins said.

He added, “It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as a prosecutor in this community for the past 18 years. I hope I have made a positive difference.”

Mirror Staff Writer Shen Wu Tan is at 946-7457.

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