Hamilton Officer Indicted After Arrest Room Incident

Hamilton Police Officer Stephen Heffernan was indicted on four counts of misdemeanor assault following an incident in the booking room on September 24, 2025. The officer had arrested 62-year-old Michael Yordy on an outstanding bench warrant for unpaid court fines when the incident occurred.

Security cameras in the booking room captured the events that led to criminal charges against Heffernan. The incident resulted in significant consequences for the veteran officer, including both administrative and legal action.

The Hamilton Police Department imposed a 20-day suspension on Heffernan as part of the administrative response to the incident. Additionally, the city reached a $10,000 settlement agreement related to the case, indicating civil liability concerns.

A grand jury reviewed the evidence and returned an indictment charging Heffernan with four separate counts of misdemeanor assault. The charges stem from his actions during the booking process of Yordy, who was being held on the outstanding warrant.

The case highlights the importance of booking room security cameras in documenting police conduct during the arrest and detention process. The video evidence proved crucial in both the administrative investigation and the criminal proceedings.

Officer Heffernan faces four misdemeanor assault charges while the department has completed its internal disciplinary process with the 20-day suspension.