PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday announced that former Philadelphia Police officer Patrick Heron, 53, who was already facing a slew of child sexual assault charges, had been re-arrested on 233 new counts.
The district attorney’s Special Investigations Unit filed 19 new criminal cases involving Heron — for a total of 21 cases involving alleged sexual abuse and assault of young girls and women, and threats made against witnesses. Charges against him include kidnapping, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, indecent assault, and institutional sexual assault.
When the District Attorney’s Office charged Heron last year in April and September, it was for alleged incidents that occurred after his 2019 retirement from the PPD, said Assistant D.A. Lyandra Retacco.
Officials say more people recently came forward after those initial charges were filed.
“I don't want to make any assumptions about what happened or what didn't happen, because we keep learning more. And we keep learning that there are more victims. And we keep learning there is more evidence out there,” Retacco said.
The cases announced on Tuesday involve incidents that allegedly occurred from 2005 through 2017, before Heron retired.
“I have never seen an investigation like this. I've been in Philadelphia practicing criminal law for 15 years. The amount of evidence, the way that Mr. Heron carried himself while he was a police officer and while he was off the clock is an alarming set of circumstances,” Retacco said.
“This behavior does stretch on duty, off duty, in uniform, out of uniform, and we need to see exactly what ways that he allegedly manipulated his position to be able to get access to these victims.”
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Heron’s attorney says he has no comment on the additional charges.
And a spokesperson for the Police Department said in an official statement, “the latest criminal allegations against Heron are beyond disturbing.”
After his arraignment on the new charges, Heron will be detained without bail.
Send a tip
The Police Department is encouraging witnesses, victims and anyone else who can give prosecutors information that could lead to additional arrests or charges to contact the SIU at DAO_SIU@phila.gov or 215–686–9608.
Help is available
WOAR — Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence Hotline: 215-985-3333
WOAR — Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence offers free services to victims and survivors of sexual violence who are looking for a safe place to turn to for help and healing, 24/7, 365 days a year. Services are entirely confidential.
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