Heather Brown

Heather Brown is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to seeking justice and empowering survivors of sexual abuse. With over 24 years of experience as a prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Heather has relentlessly fought against evil, prosecuting hundreds of rapists and child molesters. Her unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable led her to work in the Sexual Assault Unit for over a decade, where she fearlessly advocated for victims. Driven by a deep sense of justice, Heather transitioned to the Homicide Unit for five years, fearlessly prosecuting murderers and seeking closure for grieving families. Now, as a special counsel at Greenberg Gross LLP, within their dedicated practice group, Fight for Survivors, she continues her mission by litigating cases against schools, institutions, and churches that turn a blind eye to or have covered up child sexual abuse. Heather’s work serves as a call to action, urging society to stand up against those who perpetrate and conceal these heinous crimes. Heather also serves on the board of a nonprofit organization called Thriving in Freedom. This organization is committed to helping victims of human trafficking fund education and find meaningful employment. She also volunteers for a ministry that works toward helping victims of human trafficking escape from the clutches of sexual slave labor. In addition to her advocacy work, Heather has been an adjunct professor at California State University, Fullerton, for the past 13 years, teaching a course called “Sex, Crime, and Culture.” This allows her the opportunity to educate students about the complex intersections of these topics and to foster a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding sexual abuse and crime. She has recently started a True Crime Podcast called Defeating the Darkness; True Crime Stories with Downtown Heather Brown, which profiles true crime stories and those in the community who work tirelessly to bring light to the darkness for victims of crime. Heather’s diverse experiences, both professionally and personally, have shaped her into a formidable advocate and compassionate individual who has become a trusted ally for victims and survivors. Her resilience and determination to make a difference extends beyond the courtroom as she continues to champion the rights of victims and survivors while educating others about the realities of sexual abuse and crime. In addition to her professional achievements, Heather is a devoted wife and mother. Married for over 20 years to Tom, a retired FBI agent, she resides in Southern California with two of their three children. Their oldest son, Matthew, is a drone pilot serving in the United States Marine Corps, while their other son, Nicholas, is an exceptional athlete and scholar who recently graduated high school and is attending Eastern Washington University on a football scholarship. Their daughter, Sophia, is an accomplished musician, showcasing her talent as a member of an award-winning school band, where she plays the baritone. Outside of her professional and family life, Heather finds solace in various activities. She enjoys hiking, traveling, dancing, and engaging in weightlifting and Pilates workouts. Her true joy, however, lies in spending quality time with her loved ones and cultivating authentic and meaningful relationships. Heather cherishes the bonds she has formed within the law enforcement community and her circle of friends