Michigan Sheriff deputy sexually assaults minor, arrested on 11-count felony: report

A Michigan sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to six months in jail for sexual misconduct with a teenager in December 2020, and now he has been arrested again for the rape of a minor, police said.

The incidents between Brian Helfert, a former Menominee County Sheriff’s deputy, and the victim happened between April 2013 and December 2019, according to authorities.

Jeffery Rogg, the Prosecuting Attorney for Menominee County, filed the paperwork in court stating that a six-year history of sexual assault and abuse took place against the victim.

The victim reported to police that he felt compelled to come forward after learning of Helfert’s plea and sentencing in his previous case in 2020, the prosecutor’s office said.

Rogg asked any other possible victims to come forward and that “every allegation against Mr. Helfert will be fully investigated by the Menominee Police Department and still be prosecuted by me.”

Helfert was charged with child sexually abusive activity, four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, assault with intent to commit penetration and gross indecency between males, police said.

Helfert remains in jail and bond was set at $250,000.

He is scheduled for a probable cause conference on May 14 and a preliminary exam on May 21, according to authorities.