PHILADELPHIA, PA – The District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit announced on Monday the convictions of a former Philadelphia Police officer and a former Catholic priest in two separate child sexual abuse and assault prosecutions.
Last Friday, former Police Officer Patrick Heron pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Unlawful Contact with a Minor and Sexual Abuse of Children. Investigations revealed that, over more than a decade, Heron abused and assaulted numerous women and girls.
Digital evidence seized showed Heron, in uniform, engaging in abusive conduct in his patrol vehicle. If convicted of all charges, Heron could have faced over 1,300 years in prison. However, he has been sentenced to 15 to 40 years of incarceration.
SIU Supervisor Lyandra Retacco commented on the relief expressed by the survivors now that Heron is being held accountable. District Attorney Larry Krasner stressed the importance of understanding how Heron’s actions remained unchecked within the force for so long.
In another case, former priest Armand Garcia, associated with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, pleaded guilty to charges including Corruption of Minors. His sentencing is scheduled for January 2024.