02/13/2026
FIRM NEWS: Attorney Mickey Weber Secures Unanimous Merit Board Victory for 35-Year Veteran
Schad Law is proud to announce a significant victory for our client, Sergeant Tom Higdon, and for attorney Mickey Weber, who delivered exceptional representation in a high-stakes Merit Board proceeding.
After a two-day public hearing, the Clark County Sheriff's Merit Board voted 5-0 to reject Sheriff Scottie Maples' recommendation to terminate Sergeant Higdon's employment—a complete vindication for our client and a testament to both our client’s decades of honorable service and to thorough preparation, strategic advocacy, and outstanding legal work.
The Case
Sheriff Maples sought termination of Sergeant Higdon based on three incidents occurring between August and September 2025. At stake was not just a job, but the 35-year career of a decorated officer with no prior history of serious discipline.
Mickey understood what this case really meant: Sergeant Higdon stood to lose the career and reputation that he has built over the course of more than three decades of public service.
The Work
Over several months, Mickey conducted extensive witness interviews, reviewed hundreds of pages of investigative materials, and analyzed multiple body camera videos frame-by-frame. He identified and secured testimony from five highly credible law enforcement professionals—including retired CCSO supervisors with decades of experience, a former Chief Deputy, and command staff from neighboring departments.
During the two-day hearing, Mickey systematically dismantled the Sheriff's case through effective cross-examination, compelling direct examination of his witnesses, and masterful use of body camera footage and investigative documents. He also prepared detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law that presented a clear roadmap for the Board.
The Result
The Merit Board didn't just deny the Sheriff's request—they adopted findings that tracked Mickey's proposed findings almost verbatim, including:
✔️ Recognition that Sergeant Higdon's 35-year record "does not evidence a history of job performance deficiencies or serious disciplinary infractions"
✔️ Finding that the Sheriff's claim of longstanding performance issues was contradicted by the documentary evidence
✔️ Acknowledgment that any alleged violations were "minor" and did not warrant termination
✔️ Noting that the Sheriff's offer to retain Sergeant Higdon with a demotion "contradicts" his claim that Higdon posed a safety risk
The Board ordered Sergeant Higdon’s full reinstatement. The roll-call vote was unanimous.
Public Interest and Transparency
The hearing drew significant community attention and media coverage. Portions of the proceedings were recorded and shared publicly, allowing the community to see the evidence and the quality of advocacy firsthand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr6OKowqcEM
https://youtu.be/9RAY2lRcjdE?si=WR8Kpdi24-wznfGU
https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/indiana/clark-county-merit-board-keeps-36-year-officer-sheriffs-recommendation/417-3601665d-abde-4863-a8bd-bdffec11af43
https://www.facebook.com/groups/800994882938679
About Attorney Mickey Weber
Mickey Weber practices in the areas of personal injury and civil rights litigation, as well as criminal defense at Schad Law. He brings to every case the same qualities that produced this victory: meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and fearless advocacy.
Before joining Schad Law, Mickey served as Chief Public Defender for Clark County, where he tried numerous cases to verdict and developed the courtroom skills that translated directly to this Merit Board victory. He understands that cases aren't just about legal arguments—they're about people's lives, careers, and livelihoods.
What This Case Represents
This victory demonstrates Schad Law's commitment to representing individuals facing injustice—even when that means going toe-to-toe with elected officials and government agencies.
