Attorneys for Cleve Heidelberg, incarcerated since 1970, remain convinced of his innocence in the murder of a white Peoria County sheriff’s deputy, and they want Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady removed from the case and replaced with an independent special prosecutor.
Heidelberg’s attorneys, Don Jackson and Andrew Hale, filed an amended petition with Peoria Circuit Court alleging Brady has conflicts of interest.
A hearing is set for July 28 with Judge Albert Purham, Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main St. The public and members of the press are expected to attend.
The amended petition cites other previous cases where a conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety has resulted in prosecutors recusing themselves from cases. The petition cites conflicts Brady has including a personal and professional friendship with the chief prosecutor of the Heidelberg case in 1970, Ron Hamm.
The amended petition states that in reviewing this case, Brady only sought input from Hamm and did not interview Heidelberg or any witnesses who verify his innocence. The petition also states new and convincing evidence supporting Heidelberg’s innocence was not reviewed.
Asked about the assertion he has a conflict of interest in the Heidelberg case, Brady said he has read the petition and will not comment on a pending issue of this type.