Heap of Trouble
Steadfast and determined to get hard criminals off the streets, Chatham County's first female district attorney is spearheading numerous programs that will put criminals in a whole heap of trouble.
In the sixth floor of the Chatham County Courthouse, in the middle of bustling Downtown Savannah, Meg Heap sits at her desk finishing up her second Red Bull of the day. ”I live off Red Bull and I’m not afraid to say it,” says Heap with a laugh. This might partially explain her high energy and lively spirit, but upon further inspection it seems as though Heap, who is entering into her second term as district attorney for Chatham County, is just fiercely excited about doing her job.
It’s no secret that crime, especially violent crime, is having a devastating effect on the city. This year alone has seen an unprecedented rise in crime rates, with many citizens wondering when they will start to see results from the initiatives being promised by their government. With a new mayor, police chief and a now-seasoned district attorney, Heap said they are all working together in new and extraordinary ways to fight crime.
“On any given day, here in our office, we have 12,000 to 14,000 cases being dealt with. My job is to make sure the most egregious ones are expedited,” said Heap. “For cases like murder, justice should be swift.”
Heap notes that working with Chief Joseph Lumpkin has been a dream, and just like with any business, if the lines of communication are open and honest, incredible things can happen. “Working with Chief Lumpkin has been so amazing compared to (Chief Lovett). I feel like I can call him night and day with questions or concerns and he has by back.” Heap, who began her career working as a victim's advocate, is now working closely with the mayor and chief of police on a new initiative called End Gun Violence.
“We are focusing on putting away these violent offenders and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law, but also spending time with the victims and their families to offer any and all social services they might need,” she said.
To get the full scoop on what Meg Heap is doing to serve justice, see the June/July issue of South Magazine.
