Misconduct charge dropped against downstate sheriff
HARDIN — Official misconduct and disorderly conduct charges have been dropped against Calhoun County’s sheriff at a special prosecutor’s request.
Prosecutor David Rands asked that the charges against Bill Heffington be dismissed — based on a deposition taken from the alleged victim, Calhoun County Board Chairwoman Wanda Tepen, shortly before she died of cancer in July.
In a court motion, Rands says the deposition made it clear he couldn’t meet the burden of proving the case.
The allegations related to Heffington’s conduct during a county board meeting. Authorities haven’t released more specifics.
When reached Tuesday at his home, Rands declined to elaborate about the charges or why they were dismissed.
Calhoun County runs along the Mississippi River, north of St. Louis.