Ex Homicide Detective Charged With Stalking, Harassing Victim's Mother

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities in Philadelphia are urging more potential victims of three former police officers accused of sexual misconduct to come forward as investigations into their alleged actions continue.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Unit said a former Philadelphia homicide detective has been accused of stalking and sexually harassing the mother of a homicide victim in a case he was assigned to, and authorities urge other potential victims to come forward.

Donald Suchinsky, 57, was charged with aggravated indecent assault, stalking, official oppression, harassment, and more crimes.

"As with all open criminal matters, former Detective Donald Suchinsky is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said. "This also remains an open and active investigation, which limits the information we can share with the public at this time. We are urging members of the public who have truthful information about defendant Donald Suchinsky to contact the DA’s Office Special Investigations Unit to receive assistance and support."

Authorities said they believe Suchinsky may have victimized others and encouraged them to contact the DA's Special Investigations Unit at DAO_SIU@phila.gov or 215-686-9608.

"Our prosecutors and Victim/Witness Services coordinators are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of survivors and witness, including those who may testify before a judge or jury," Lyandra Retacco, supervisor of the Special Investigations Unit, said.

Suchinsky was released from pre-trial detention on February 24th after posting 10% of $250,000 bail set by the court.

The DA's office is also asking others to come forward regarding other criminal cases filed against two other former officers.

Former officer Patrick Heron, 53, was charged with unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, unlawful use of a computer, retaliation, harassment, and related crimes in April and September last year.

Heron's case involves students and staff at Austin Meehan Middle School in the Mayfair section of the city in 2022.

The school was shuttered as part of a planned closure by the School District of Philadelphia in June 2022.

"Patrick Heron is a former police patrolman who worked in various parts of the city who retired from the PPD in 2019," Retacco said. "We are asking the public to come forward with any truthful information they have about defendant Patrick Heron, including information about him when he was still working on the Philadelphia Police force."

The DA’s Office informed district officials around the time of former Heron’s arrest and extended a line of communication to prosecutors investigating this case.

Lastly, more information is sought on former school police officer Howard Rubin.

Rubin, 54, was sentenced to 10 to 20 years last month on charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors, and false incrimination.

Authorities said he sexually assaulted two boys, who were 12 and 15 years old.

Rubin worked at Edison High School in 2008, where a complaint by a student was made which led to his forced resignation. The complaint did not result in an arrest or prosecution at the time.

In 2010, Rubin was employed by Mastbaum High School and fired following another allegation by a student, which also did not result in an arrest or prosecution at the time.

Then in 2011, Rubin was employed by Multi-Cultural Academy Charter School, where he was eventually terminated in 2014.

He was eventually charged in April 2020.

Retacco said the DA's office has reason to believe Rubin may have victimized more people.

"This defendant has now been sentenced to one to two decades in prison," Retacco said. :We are asking you to come forward to receive the support and assistance survivors of sexual trauma often need in order to heal and thrive."

The DA’s Office has also briefed School District of Philadelphia officials on this criminal investigation and conviction and asked that additional truthful information about Howard Rubin be relayed to the SIU.

Anyone who has information about Suchinsky, Heron, or Rubin, or who are in need of support are urged to contact the SIU at DAO_SIU@phila.gov or 215-686-9608.

Resources for male survivors of sexual abuse and assault are available at 1in6.org. Resources for all survivors of sexual abuse and assault are available at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.