City Council approves $1.25M settlement over wrongful conviction case involving Cleve Heidelberg

During the Peoria City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, a significant discussion centered around a proposed settlement related to the wrongful conviction case of Cleve Heidelberg. The case, which dates back to a 1970 murder of a county sheriff's deputy, has drawn considerable attention due to its implications for the city and county's financial responsibilities.

Heidelberg was convicted based on witness identification and circumstantial evidence, but his conviction was vacated in 2017, leading to his release on home monitoring. Following his death in March 2018, litigation commenced, with the city and county named as joint defendants. The trial court dismissed the claims, but the case is currently under appeal, raising concerns about potential litigation costs if the dismissal is overturned.

City Corporation Counsel highlighted the financial risks associated with the case, noting that recent jury verdicts in similar wrongful conviction cases have reached up to $5 million per year of incarceration. Given Heidelberg's 35 years in prison, the potential liability could be substantial. To mitigate these risks, the city proposed a settlement of $625,000, with the county contributing a similar amount, totaling $1.25 million.

Council members expressed differing opinions on the settlement. Some, like Council Member Euler, emphasized the need to protect taxpayers from the financial burden of a potential trial, while others, such as Council Member Graham, voiced strong opposition, arguing that settling could encourage further frivolous lawsuits against the city and county. Graham insisted that there was no evidence of wrongdoing by law enforcement officials involved in the original case.

The council ultimately faced a critical decision: whether to approve the settlement to avoid the risks of a costly trial or to contest the appeal in hopes of maintaining a stance against what some perceive as unjust demands. The outcome of this discussion will have lasting implications for the city's legal strategy and financial health, as well as its relationship with the community regarding accountability and justice.