Philadelphia, PA – The District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit has conducted a further investigation into former Philadelphia Police Officer Patrick Heron, resulting in 19 new criminal cases involving alleged sexual abuse and assault of young girls and women, as well as threats made against witnesses.
The total number of cases against Heron now stands at 21.
SIU Supervisor Lyandra Retacco and Assistant District Attorney Joshua Barnett announced on Tuesday that Heron, born on October 12, 1969, has been re-arrested on 233 new counts, including Kidnapping, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, Sexual Assault, Child Sexual Abuse, Indecent Assault, and Institutional Sexual Assault.
“This case is a very unfortunate reminder that sexual violence happens in all environments, in all communities, and in all walks of life,” said Michael F. Kellerman, interim executive director of WOAR – Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. “It is why organizations like WOAR and its partners work tirelessly to make outreach to and educate all our fellow Philadelphians about sexual violence – including the risk factors, signs of suffering that are often shrouded in silence or shame, and importantly, how we can help those in crisis and better protect ourselves and our communities through action. It is also a reminder of why WOAR’s services are offered to anyone who needs them, 24/7, 365 days per year, free of charge, and our services are entirely confidential to ensure all have a safe place to turn to for help and healing. Our hotline is there any time of any day: 215-985-3333. Together, we can prevent terrible news like this from ever happening in the future.”
Heron, who retired from the Philadelphia Police Department in 2019, now faces charges for incidents that occurred prior to 2019, including some instances where he was in uniform and on duty. The previously charged cases against Heron, filed in April 2022 and September 2022, involve incidents that occurred after his retirement from the PPD.
“These 19 new cases and 233 charges filed against former Philadelphia Police officer Patrick Heron today allege shocking criminal conduct against young girls and extremely vulnerable women, sometimes while the defendant was on duty,” said ADA Retacco. “The implications of what appear to be serial misconduct are nearly too horrifying to contemplate. I want these survivors – and all survivors of sexual abuse and assault – to know that the District Attorney’s Office is here to help deliver justice and accountability for what was done to them. We are here to help ensure that survivors do more than just survive – but that they find healing and opportunities to thrive as well.”
The District Attorney’s Office encourages victims, witnesses, and members of the public with truthful information about former officer Patrick Heron that could lead to additional arrests or charges to contact the DAO Special Investigations Unit at DAO_SIU@phila.gov or call 215-686-9608.