District Attorney Accused of Having Sex at Courthouse

BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa.

It is alleged that Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins has engaged in a sexual relationship inside the courthouse. County commissioners confirm they are investigating the allegations. Meanwhile, the Attorney General's Office and a judicial code of conduct board have all been put on alert.

Bedford County Commissioner Chairman Michael Herline said he was alerted to the incident when the family of the woman involved contacted his office. The investigation will determine what wrongdoing, if any, was committed by Higgins and how to move forward.

It all started at a Republican committee meeting on July 10 at the Carriage House restaurant. Higgins attended the meeting as the vice chairman.

Commissioner said the woman involved is not a county employee.

The investigation showed Higgins and the woman went back to Higgins office, located in the older portion of the renovated courthouse. It was there, Higgins admitted that they were involved in a sexual relationship.

Since it occurred in the courthouse, the commissioners said they have an obligation to address any situation involving county property, resources or employees.

The commissioners have interviewed people from before and after the incident. They have also been in touch with the county solicitor.

Attorney Higgins said that this is an unfortunate incident, but it is of a personal nature and he is working it out with his wife.

However, some wonder what kind of discipline can be taken against him? According to the county handbook, not much.

Under the sexual misconduct portion, it states that only county employees who violate the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, including being fired. According to commissioners, the guidelines don't pertain to elected officials like Higgins.

Higgins would have to do something illegal, and Attorney General Tom Corbett, said there is nothing criminal about this situation.

County Commissioner Steve Houser also told WJAC that an elected official can actually never show up for work and still get paid, meaning there's no recourse to discipline or fire them.

Still, Bedford County Commissioners are investigating whether Higgins broke any rules by having his affair inside county property.