Man Convicted of Sexual Battery and Incest for Assaulting Young Family Members

Shelby County, TN—Richard Higgs has been convicted by a jury on charges of Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure and Incest. The charges stem from an incident that occurred in July 2019, where Higgs sexually assaulted two family members. Reports indicate that Higgs molested the 14-year-old family member in a bathroom. When her 12-year-old sister attempted to intervene by knocking on the door, the older girl managed to escape. However, Higgs then took the 12-year- old in the bathroom and proceeded to rape her. After immediately informing their mother of the incident, she called police.

The trial, which concluded on Friday, lasted a week. During that time, the State presented testimony from ten witnesses, including a crisis nurse and a TBI serologist. Following the State's arguments, the jury reached a verdict in less than an hour. 

“Testifying against a family member is never easy for victims,” said Special Victims Unit prosecutor Gavin Smith, who served as lead prosecutor on the case, along with ADA Dru Carpenter. "We're relieved they received the justice they deserve and hope they can now begin to heal."

Higgs’ charges carry a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum of 60 years, served at 100 percent. Sentencing is scheduled for July 5th.