Prosecutor accused of helping drug dealers for sex, resigns

BEDFORD, PA. » A Pennsylvania district attorney was accused Wednesday of tipping off female drug dealers and giving them lenient treatment in exchange for sex, resigning as he was charged with dozens of crimes.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro said at a courthouse press conference that Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins manipulated women for sexual favors, calling it a betrayal of the community.

Higgins “thought he was above the law,” Shapiro said, “and that he could get away with affording special treatment in exchange for sexual favors. I’m here to remind the good people of Bedford County, and the people of Pennsylvania, that no one is above the law.”

Higgins was arraigned early Wednesday on numerous charges, including witness intimidation, official oppression and obstruction. He was released on $50,000 bail.

Higgins’ defense attorney, Steven Passarello, said his client maintains his innocence. Passarello raised questions about the credibility of the witnesses against Higgins.

“You have to look at the source of the allegations and you have to look at the credibility of that source,” Passarello said. He described Higgins as “devastated.”

Shapiro said Higgins disclosed the identity of confidential informants at least nine times.

“District Attorney Higgins was motivated by sex,” Shapiro said. “He traded his power and law enforcement authority for sexual favors and violated his oath to the people of Bedford County.”

Charging documents say one woman performed oral sex on Higgins about a month after he told a state trooper not to charge her with drug delivery.

The police affidavit says another woman claims that after she performed oral sex on Higgins, he told her that her cousin could thank her for not getting arrested.